How is LANDIS-II Unique?

LANDIS-II has a number of unique features that distinguish it from similar models, including other LANDIS implementations:

• Programmed natively as separate extensions, allowing rapid development of new or alternative extensions for disturbance, reproduction/seed dispersal, succession, and output. Extensions can add new variables to the landscape, new species variables, or new ecoregion (landtype) variables.
• Extensions are dynamically loadable (aka Plug-and-Play). The core is designed to use any new or different extensions without modification.
• An on-line database of extensions is available for downloading the extensions you need. Browse for new or updated extensions, share your extensions, etc.
• Variable time steps (1 - 200 years) for each extension (disturbance, succession, and output), to be determined by the user. Users can mix-and-match time steps. For example: succession could be decadal and fire annual or both succession and fire could run at an annual time step.
• Model input is handled via ascii text files. Input data are extensively and automatically checked for errors, simplifying the process of parameterization. Errors are reported to the user with an exact identification of the error source. A GUI is currently under development.
• Developed using a standardized development method (The Unified Process) and rigorous unit testing.

Despite these significant additions and improvements, LANDIS-II allows the user to select a succession extension that is logically consistent with the LANDIS version 3.7 and earlier.