17 feb 2022 - 11:48 CET

Integrating Land use and Land Cover (LULC) dynamics in environmental models: perspectives and challenges

Stream    : C - Computational Methods, Workflows, Informatics and Integrated Systems in Environmental Modelling

Session Leader: Tomas Crols (VITO, Belgium), Richard Hewitt (Complutense University of Madrid, Spain), Frederik Priem (Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium; Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium), Inge Uljee (VITO, Belgium), Roger White (Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada)

Description

Environmental models in different fields (e.g. climatology, hydrology) often rely on high resolution Land-Use or Land-Cover (LULC) data to characterise the physical and functional properties of the modelled environment. On one hand, future simulations in such domains can be coupled to the outcomes of scenarios provided by LULC models (e.g. urban growth models). At the same time, LULC models can also build on feedback of natural or socio-economic phenomena, and their expected impact on the land system. Coupled or integrated modelling approaches drawing on LULC information are hence increasingly needed to understand and address society-environment interactions in pursuit of more sustainable development. Yet several practical and conceptual problems remain to be solved. Models use different spatial or time scales, prefer other definitions of LULC classes, should deal with agent/cell heterogeneity, and modellers have to deal with error propagation between coupled/integrated models. In this session we welcome presentations on tools, methods and projects with an integrated modelling approach linked to LULC, where LULC data or models are adapted to environmental models, or environmental applications of LULC models. Critical appreciations, exposition of challenges or limitations in integrated LULC-environmental models, as well as proposals for solutions, are encouraged.

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