>X-Mailer: ELM [version 2.3 PL11] Here is an abstract of a new model we are working with that uses object-oriented programming. It is currently running and development is continuing. Mladenoff, David J.1, George E. Host1, Joel Boeder1 , and Thomas R. Crow2. Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota, Duluth, MN 55811, and USDA Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station, Forestry Sciences Laboratory, Rhinelander, WI. Modeling forest succession and landscape change at multiple scales with LANDIS. We have developed a computer simulation model of forest landscape disturbance and succession (LANDIS). This object-oriented model is written in C++, is pixel-based, and has a graphical user interface and analytical capability. File input and output is in ERDAS GIS format. LANDIS is derived very generally from some aspects of LANDSIM (D. Roberts 199x) a polygon- based fire and succession model for the central Rocky mts. that operates on principles of fuzzy set theory and species vital attributes. It is also philosophically related to forest gap models of the JABOWA/FORET type, and attempts to retain the biological aspects of gap models with the capability to spatially model larger areas. The model is driven by a series of tree species life history and silvical parameters coupled with probability functions such as disturbance initiation and spread, and species dispersal and establishment. The model operates on a ten-year time step and simulates forest succession semi-quantitatively based on the presence of species age classes. Disturbance, management, dispersal, growth and death subroutines are contained in the model. Initial vegetation and landscape site characteristics exist as separate GIS data coverages. The model code and parameters are structured to allow simulation at various scales of resolution depending on landscape extent and purpose, and relevant temporal scale. For example, a landscape could be simulated at 30 m pixel resolution to examine species dispersal and patch spread on a relatively small (1000s ha) landscape, or 200 m or 1 km resolution to examine regional, long-term forest succession and landscape structural change. We have applied the model in analyzing a forest landscape in northern Wisconsin.
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