Geomatic Approaches for Modeling Land Change Scenarios

This book provides a detailed overview of the concepts, techniques, applications, and methodological approaches involved in land use and cover change (LUCC) modeling, also known simply as land change modeling. More than 40 international experts in this field have participated in this book, which illustrates recent advances in LUCC modeling with examples from North and South America, the Middle East, and Europe. Given the broad range of geomatic approaches available, it helps readers select the approach that best meets their needs. The book is structured into three parts preceded by a foreword written by Roger White and a general introduction. Part A consists of four chapters, each of which focuses on a specific stage in the modeling process: calibration, simulation, validation, and scenarios. It presents and explains the fundamental ideas and concepts underlying LUCC modeling. This is complemented by a comparative analysis of the selected software packages, practically applied in various case studies in Part B and described in Part C. Part B is subdivided into two sections: the first discusses recently proposed methodological developments that have enhanced modeling procedures and results, while the second offers case studies as well as interesting, innovative methodological proposals. Part C includes two extensive chapters with technical notes on the different techniques used in LUCC modeling and the best-known software packages used in the applications presented in Parts A and B.