The authors demonstrate the entire process of spatial modeling, from the conceptual design, through formal implementation and analysis, to the interpretation and presentation of the results. A variety of applications and case studies address particular types of ecological and management problems and help to identify potential problems for modellers.
Part 1: Theory and Methods; Introduction: Spatially Explicit Landscape Simulation Models; Modular Ecosystem Modeling; Spatial Simulation using the SME; Calibration of Large Spatial Models: A Multi-Stage, Multi-Objective Optimization Technique * Part 2: Case Studies; Habitat Changes in the Mississippi Delta: Future Scenarios and Alternatives; Development and Application of the Everglades Landscape Model; Spatial Modeling of Eelgrass Distribution in Great Bay, New Hampshire; The Patuxent Landscape Model: Integrated Modeling of a Watershed; The Fort Hood Avian Simulation Model-V: A Spatially Explicit Population Viability Model for Two Endangered Species; Simulating Land Use Alternatives and Their Impacts on a Desert Tortoise Population in the Mojave Desert, California; A Dynamic Model of the Spatial Spread of an Infectious Disease: The Case of Fox Rabies in Illinois; Landscape Optimization: Applications of a Spatial Ecosystem Model.
From the reviews: "This book is a much-needed addition to the geospatial modeling literature, providing theoretical and practical information ! . this is a valuable contribution to the literature on dynamic spatial modeling in particular, and integrated land-change research in general. ! The clearly articulated unifying theme ! and the fact that all the case studies utilize the same software, make for a well-constructed, compelling, informative, and interesting read. I will certainly evaluate this approach and program for my own work." (Maggi Kelly, Environment and Planning, Vol. 32 (2), 2005) "Landscape Simulation Modeling ! makes a significant contribution by directly incorporating space into existing simulation modeling approaches for a greater understanding of landscape systems. ! this is an excellent book. The content is comprehensive and the text written in a simple and clear style ! . the book will also appeal to many multidisciplinary practitioners ! . This book should be a required reading for anyone interested either casually or deeply in the design and implementation of spatial simulation models ! ." (Shivanand Balram, Suzana Dragicevic, Ecological Economics, Vol. 52 (1), 2005)