Spatial Optimization for Managed Ecosystems - (Complexity in Ecological Systems) by John Hof & Michael Bevers (Hardcover)

About the Book

This book presents ideas and methods for directly optimizing the spatial layout of the landscape features in which an ecosystem functions. There is rich discussion of wildlife habitat issues as well as chapters on recreation, timber management, water runoff, and pest management.

Book Synopsis

Spatial optimization is a methodology used to maximize or minimize a management objective, given the limited area, finite resources, and spatial relationships in an ecosystem. Optimization approaches can be used to evaluate a great variety of options and allow tradeoff analyses that might be impossible with other methods.

This book presents ideas and methods for directly optimizing the spatial layout of the landscape features in which an ecosystem functions. The problems Hof and Bevers address are complex, and the book relies heavily on mathematical presentations; the ideas are explained in a tutorial fashion that allows readers to grasp the general principals even if they skip the math. The first of four parts treats static spatial relationships that reflect the importance of shape, size, and proximity within an ecosystem. Part 2 considers spatial autocorrelation in a chance-constrained modeling framework. Part 3 discusses dynamic spatial changes within modeled ecosystems, and the final section focuses on diversity and sustainability. Although most discussion concerns wildlife habitat issues, the authors also include chapters on recreation, timber management, water runoff, and pest management.

Review Quotes

The authors do an excellent job of explaining in words, diagrams, and mathematical symbolism the nature of spatial modeling and optimization across several ecosystem examples. . . . Recommend[ed] . . . as a must read for any operations researcher in the environmental area. Also recommend[ed] to any OR professional who has an interest in how our natural resources are allocated and used.

About the Author

John Hof is a project leader, and Michael Bevers is a research scientist at the USDA Forest Service's Rocky Mountain Research Station in Fort Collins, Colorado.