Spatial models of ecological systems and processes: The role of GIS

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:7206504

Hunsaker, C T; Turner, M G ^[1]; Nisbet, R A; Botkin, D B ^[2]; Lam, D ^[3]; Browder, J A ^[4]; Baker, W L ^[5]

---

1. Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
2. California Univ., Santa Barbara, CA (United States). Dept. of Biological Sciences
3. National Water Research Inst., Burlington, ON (Canada). Canadian Center for Inland Waters
4. National Marine Fisheries Service, Miami, FL (United States). Miami Lab.
5. Wyoming U

This overview paper provides a foundation for the discussion of methods and techniques to integrate spatial ecological models with the technology of geographic information systems (GISs). A brief review is provided of historical modeling approaches for terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems that have some spatial component or can be extended into space. Examples of current spatial models are discussed for these ecosystems, and the use of distributional mosaic models for the simulation of broad-scale landscape disturbances such as fire and pests is examined. Spatial modeling is terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems in more advanced than in marine systems; however, marine systems are well suited for the application of GIS's and spatial models. Future needs and directions that will enable ecological models to capitalize on the capabilities of GISs are discussed with regard to data base management; remotely sensed data; landscape-level models; model-based management systems; data and model sensitivity, errors, and uncertainties; and environmental risk assessment.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 7206504
• Report Number(s): CONF-9109345-2; ON: DE92016884
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540210* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Basic Studies-- (1990-)
58 GEOSCIENCES
580000 -- Geosciences
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
990200 -- Mathematics & Computers
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
DATA BASE MANAGEMENT
ECOLOGY
ECOSYSTEMS
FRESH WATER
FUNCTIONAL MODELS
GEOGRAPHICAL VARIATIONS
GEOGRAPHY
HISTORICAL ASPECTS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
MANAGEMENT
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
REMOTE SENSING
SIMULATION
VARIATIONS
WATER