Modeling and simulating complex spatial dynamic systems: a framework for application in environmental analysis

Abstract

This papers describes a conceptual framework for modeling and simulating complex spatial dynamic systems. Trends in natural resource modeling indicate a move toward modeling the spatial and temporal dynamics in natural systems and the interactions of these systems with human and social behaviors. A framework for simultaneously and interactively modeling these dynamics is presented. This framework implements discrete event theory as a method for modeling the temporal system dynamics and cellular automata theory as a method for modeling the spatial system dynamics.