The functional description of natural systems
requires the representation of different classes of processes including
chemical, biochemical, and physical functions, with o without their
spatial representation. In some cases, for example in biological
population dynamics, a “compartment-flow” approach is a very powerful
and efficient way to implement simulation models, eventually within
new object oriented modeling environments. On the other hand, there
are several cases where a realistic representation of the process
dynamics needs a spatial explicit implementation of the model (e.g
hydrological flows, fire propagation, pollution diffusion, etc.).
Along this line, a new raster-based spatial modelling system named “5D environment” has
been implemented and it is presented here. The system is characterised by
an user-friendly graphical interface and includes some innovative features
and modelling concepts. The software is structured in a highly modular way
according to three main layers: user interface, simulation engine, models.
The modelling interface has been designed in such a way to be very easily
linked to other possible modelling tools (e.g. Simile, Matlab and any generic
programming languages such as C, C++, Fortran, Basic).
Different classes of models are considered in order to allow simulation of
a wide range of problems. It is possible to apply a model to every pixel
of the raster grid, with or without information about neighbouring cells,
or to consider the model as a single entity which relates to group of pixels
of the map.
Applications to different scientific and technical contexts are presented
in the fields of integrated ecological and hydrological dynamics and of simulation
of interactions between vegetation and landslides dynamics.
PEOPLE
Francesco GIANNINO
PROJECTS
PON 2004/06 - Petit-Osa "Piattaforme
Evolute di Telecomunicazioni e di Information Technology per
l'Offerta di Servizi al settore Ambiente"
Regione Campania Legge 5 - SimArc "Integration
of system dynamics models and geographic information systems for
the management of the environmental system"
FIRB - MESCOSAGR "Metodi
Sostenibili per il sequestro del carbonio organico nei suoli agrari.
Valutazione degli effetti sulla qualità chimica, fisica, biologica
ed agronomica dei suoli"
PRIN 2005 - C-Cycle "Effects
of species diversity on litter production and decomposition in Mediterranean
maquis: modelling analysis"
EU VI Framework - FIRE PARADOX "An
innovative approach of integrated wildland fire management regulating
the wildfire problem by the wise use of fire: solving the fire paradox"
PUBLICATIONS
- S. Mazzoleni, F. Giannino, M. Colandrea, M. Nicolazzo, J. Massheder, Integration
of System Dynamics Models and Geography Information Systems, in Modelling
and Simulation '2003, B. Di Martino, L.T. Yang, C. Bobeanu (eds), Eurosis-Eti,
2003, 304-306
- S. Mazzoleni, F. Giannino, M. Colandrea, M. Nicolazzo, D. Heathfield, M
Mulligan, A new raster-based spatial modelling system: 5D environment, sottomesso
alla rivista Environmental Modelling & Software
