Usage

The Spatiocoexistence package provides comprehensive tools for analysing forest inventory data and simulating forest dynamics through spatially explicit modeling. This guide introduces the main components and their applications.

Individual-Based Forest Model

The spatially explicit forest dynamics model is implemented in the spatiocoexistence.model module. This model simulates tree growth, mortality, and recruitment processes based on local neighborhood interactions.

Model Features

  • Spatially explicit simulation: Track individual trees in continuous 2D space

  • Species interactions: Model competition through neighborhood crowding effects

  • Flexible parameterization: Customize species-specific demographic parameters

  • Parameter optimization: Fit model parameters to empirical data using optimization algorithms

  • Real-time monitoring: Visualize simulation progress and population dynamics

  • Output analysis: Export detailed results for further statistical analysis

Model Examples

Explore detailed model usage in our Examples:

  • Setting up and running forest simulations

  • Parameter estimation from census data

  • Analyzing simulation outputs and population dynamics

Analysis Tools

The analysis tools are designed to work seamlessly with forest inventory datasets, particularly those from the ForestGEO network or simulated data.

Key Features

  • Data processing: Import and process forest census data from various formats

  • Spatial analysis: Calculate neighborhood-based metrics and spatial patterns

  • Crowding indices: Compute conspecific and heterospecific crowding for individual trees

  • Basal area calculations: Determine basal area at plot and neighborhood levels

  • Visualization tools: Generate plots and maps for exploratory data analysis

Learn by Example

See our Examples gallery for hands-on demonstrations of:

  • Loading and processing forest census data

  • Calculating crowding indices for large datasets

  • Visualizing spatial patterns and species distributions

  • Working with ForestGEO data formats

Next steps

  1. Installation: Follow the Installation guide to set up the package

  2. Examples: Browse our Examples for practical tutorials

  3. API Reference: Visit the API Reference for detailed function documentation