Integrated modelling software platform development for effective use of ecosystem models

• Ecological models are increasing in complexity to simulate terrestrial ecosystems.
• Integrated modelling software platforms (IMSPs) are needed to facilitate model development.
• Ideal IMSPs should include different utilities to interpret simulation results.

Ecological modelling is increasing in importance to facilitate the development of sustainable management planning of terrestrial ecosystems and integrate social and economic objectives. As models have become more complex and include many state variables, modelling software platforms have been developed to support development projects. However, few modelling software platforms integrate software components or applications to facilitate the interpretation of simulation results. Recent advances in computing technology and the increasing availability of free or open-source software allow the efficient integration of different software applications to support modelling development efforts and analysis of simulation results. The application AMSIMOD (“Application for the Management of SImulation MODels”), which was developed to manage the ZELIG-CFS gap model, is introduced as an example of an integrated modelling software platform to facilitate and analyze simulation results with the stand visualization system and the Quantum GIS geographic information system. Future advancements in the development of this type of modelling platform are discussed. Typical frameworks for model management and analytical applications should have the capacity to manage several models and simulation results at different spatial scales and the ability to generate management scenarios. Also, end users should have access to various types of reporting tools and analytical and numerical processing utilities.