Ecological Modelling
Landscape Modelling using TELSA and VDDT
Simulation models are useful tools for assessing the potential consequences of proposed management actions over the medium to long term at a landscape scale. Models are particularly useful for ecological landscapes that are complex, and influenced by stochastic events such fire and invasion by non-native species. By abstracting a complex ecological system into a simpler 'model' landscape, managers can make predictions about management consequences and pinpoint key uncertainties on which to focus future research. Landscape level models allow for the evaluation of management actions on indicators such as wildlife habitat supply and fragmentation, timber flow, fire regimes and invasive species.
ESSA's Terrestrial Ecosystem Sciences team has extensive experience developing, applying and training others to use tools for both non-spatial and GIS-based spatially explicit modelling of terrestrial landscapes. The two software tools we have developed for landscape modeling are the Vegetation Dynamics Development Tool (VDDT) and the Tool for Exploratory Landscape Scenario Analyses (TELSA). In recent projects we have applied these tools to various landscape management problems throughout North America for clients ranging from provincial, state and federal governments to NGOs.