Modelling coupled natural/human systems for environmental resource management
Coupled natural/human systems are systems in which human activities interact with natural landscape components, raising complex issues of environmental resource management. To address this complexity, new Modelling approaches are required to study the reciprocal interactions and feedback mechanisms that characterize these systems. Spatial simulation models such as cellular automata (CA) and agent-based models (ABMs) are increasingly used as laboratories to understand the rules that govern the interaction and evolution of these systems, and explore the future paths they can take through the testing of alternative scenarios. When combined to Geomatics technologies as components of spatial decision support systems, they become powerful tools to understand how human decisions are made, how these decisions affect the environment over which they are made, and which measures could be implemented to achieve a sustainable usage of environmental resources.
This presentation provides an overview of current research projects undertaken to address resource management issues in domains that are of high relevance in Alberta: land use and spatial planning, water and energy systems, and wildlife/human interactions including wildlife responses to human disturbances and disease propagation. Three common aspects to these projects will be highlighted: the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach, the benefits of spatial simulation models, and the importance of involving stakeholders in the Modelling process.
This presentation provides an overview of current research projects undertaken to address resource management issues in domains that are of high relevance in Alberta: land use and spatial planning, water and energy systems, and wildlife/human interactions including wildlife responses to human disturbances and disease propagation. Three common aspects to these projects will be highlighted: the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach, the benefits of spatial simulation models, and the importance of involving stakeholders in the Modelling process.
