A stochastic model for generating disturbance patterns within landscapes
A stochastic model for generating disturbances in landscapes that interfaces with geographic information systems (GIS) is presented. The model operates on a lattice (rectangular array of points) using a spacetime Markov process, which gives a stochastic simulation of growth patterns in terms of parameters of the local region. The model generates disturbance patterns on the landscape based on user-defined inputs of the total area disturbed and the number of patches to be disturbed. The model is developed in a C++ C ++ software package named TDsimulator (Terrain Disturbance Simulator) which can be used to predict changes in landscape cover under a variety of stochastic scenarios. The software comprises a set of GIS routines that collectively yield the disturbance patterns. A demonstration of the stochastic model is provided for simulating fire behaviour in a forested landscape. The numerical examples illustrate the total disturbance impact under different initial conditions and scenarios.
stochastic modelling disturbance geographic information system (gis) simulation numerical model terrain analysis system (tas) forest fire