ECOSYSTEM MODELING WITH GIS

Management of natural resources is becoming a complex problem. To ensu re sustainability of the resources, the manager must have better tools with which to make decisions. The development of simulation models th at make use of GIS data bases is an emerging area of resource manageme nt. This paper examines several grid-based models and addresses the us e of GIS programs to construct spatial dynamic models. Some considerat ions for the implementation of modeling using GIS data bases are provi ded. The capability to simulate ecosystem processes such as fire, eros ion, and other factors will allow the resource manager to make more in formed decisions by evaluating potential consequences on the computer.