How does VDDT work?

Each VDDT model simulates the changes that occur within one type of vegetation community. This community is represented by a number of cells, each initially assigned an age and state class. Using the pathways and probabilities defined for that vegetation community, the model simulates the probability of each cell being affected by one of the transition types, and if a transition does occur, moves the cell to the appropriate class. Disturbance probabilities depend on the current state of the cell, defined by its state class. They are independent of the state of the neighbouring cells and their transition history. Thus, unlike TELSA, the model does not simulate contagion in space (e.g., wildfire) or time (e.g., invasive plants).

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