Date of Award:
5-1994
Document Type:
Thesis
Degree Name:
Master of Science (MS)
Department:
Wildland Resources
Department name when degree awarded
Forest Resources
Committee Chair(s)
David W. Roberts
Committee
David W. Roberts
Committee
Douglas Ramsey
Committee
Michael Jenkins
Committee
James Long
Abstract
This research demonstrates the ability to integrate a computer simulation model with a geographic information system (GIS) to predict forest community dynamics in both the spatial and temporal dimensions. A landscape scale computer simulation model, LANDSIM, was coupled with the Arc/Info GIS to simulate the interaction of forest fires and forest succession at Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, and to produce maps of the predicted community types. The sensitivity of the model was tested with respect to the fire return interval, maximum neighbor spread, and the effect of slope upon the spread of simulated fires. The model predicts that each fire return interval will result in an unique distribution of community types upon the landscape. The model's results are discussed in terms of their implications for management alternatives at Bryce Canyon National Park.
Checksum
1be1a732732f21874fa90dae7d036a8c
Recommended Citation
Betz, David W., "Modeling Forest Dynamics at the Landscape Scale: Integrating a Computer Simulation Model and Geographic Information System" (1994). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023. 7318.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/7318
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