Here, the author provides professionals in environmental research and management with the information they need with respect to computer modeling: An understanding of the mathematical fundamentals and the choice of the optimal approach and corresponding software for their particular task.
– Numerous illustrations, flowcharts and graphs, partly in color, as well as worked examples help in comprehending complex mathematical tasks and their solutions without the use of confusing mathematical formalism;
– Case studies from various fields of environmental research, such as landscape ecology, environmental assessment, population ecology, hydrology, and agroecology, facilitate the application of simulation models to the solution of real-world problems;
– Contains a detailed summary of currently available software tools and the application in spatially explicit simulation based on geographic information systems.
The worked examples and case studies cover a broad range of environmental systems and processes, adopting such modern mathematical methodology as partial differential equations, fuzzy logic, hybrid Petri nets, and optimum control theory. The result is a unique presentation of applications for high standard modeling and simulation methodologies in the interdisciplinary fields of environmental research.
From the Foreword by Robert Costanza (Gund Institute of Ecological Economics, Burlington, VT, USA): ‘As a teacher of environmental modeling, I’ve been searching for many years for the perfect text to use courses. My search has ended with the publication of Ralf Seppelt’s book and I intend to use it as a core text in modeling courses.’
Table of Content
Foreword Acknowledgements Introduction PART I: SETTING THE SCENE: DIVERSITY OF ENVIRONMENTAL MODELING From Conceptual Modeling to Computer Simulations Environmental Models: Dynamic Processes Environmental Models: Spatial Interactions PART II: INTEGRATED MODELS Multi-paradigm Modeling Concepts: Hybrid Petri Nets Case Studies: Hybrid Systems in Ecology Applications: Environmental Impact Assessment PART III: THE BIG PICTURE: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Scenario Analysis and Optimization Prerequisites: Temporal Hierarchies and Spatial Scales Optimum Agroecosystem Management: Temporal Patterns Optimum Agroecosystem Management: Spatial Patterns Changing Landscapes: Optimum Landscape Patterns Conclusions, Perspectives and Research Demands References Index
Supplementary Material on the Web