The Vegetation Dynamics Development Tool (VDDT) is a user-friendly, public-domain software tool that provides a framework for quantifying the rate and effects of vegetation change on a landscape. Users partition the landscape into states (e.g., combinations of cover and structure) and define the transitions (e.g., disturbances, succession, management) and probabilities for movement between states.

This two-day course provides a foundation for modeling using VDDT. The course covers state-and-transition modeling concepts, how to use the VDDT software to create simple models of vegetation change, and how to run those models and interpret the results. Case studies using VDDT in a range of ecosystems will also be presented, along with insights into how to organize your own model building initiative. Note that this course will be taught using the latest version of VDDT (currently version 6).

This course is designed for those who are new to VDDT and/or new to vegetation state-and-transition modeling. It is also recommended for those who have been introduced to VDDT models through workshops or projects, but who now wish to build and run models themselves. No particular software knowledge or disciplinary expertise is required.

Participants are expected to bring their own computer (running Windows 2000 or higher) for the VDDT training sessions – if this is not possible, please contact the training coordinator to make alternate arrangements.

• Understanding of state-and-transition modeling concepts
• Understanding of how to represent a state-and-transition model in VDDT
• Ability to create a simple model of vegetation change in VDDT
• Ability to run models in VDDT and interpret their results
• Understanding of how different ecosystems and management alternatives can be represented in VDDT
• Understanding of the steps required in order to create your own set of VDDT models

• Overview of vegetation modeling approaches
• State-and-transition modeling fundamentals
• VDDT model basics: successional pathway diagrams, initial conditions, run parameters, Monte Carlo simulations, model algorithm, model output
• Creating VDDT models: defining state classes and pathways, editing successional pathway diagrams, loading and saving models
• Interpreting VDDT model results: output options, comparing model runs
• Introduction to advanced features: sensitivity analysis, modelling multiple regions, age constraints on transitions, time-since-disturbance effects, importing & exporting files
• Presentation of case studies using VDDT in a range of ecosystems
• Suggestions for organizing a team-based model building initiative

Individual - $800 (early registration), or $950 (regular)
Group Rate (Up to 17) - $9,000

Registrations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend that you register at least one month prior to the date your class begins.