Goals for NetLogo Program

Now that we are aware of the different capabilities of both the Glass Box and Black Box versions of SimForest, we are also looking to re-create some of the capabilities of these programs in NetLogo. This software will allow us to create a forest-modeling program from the ground-up, and perhaps give a little more flexibility in what we can do with either of the previously-mentioned versions of SimForest. However, doing this presents some unique challenges, since we are starting from scratch. Using the SimForest programs as a basis, we must translate their equations, which are done in Director Lingo, into the language of NetLogo, which has its own unique syntax, procedures and commands. Some of the goals to work towards are:

· getting the recruitment equation running

· incorporating different species into the simulation

· being able to plant the trees one by one

· introducing a topographical map of Zoar Valley into the simulation background

Once a running simulation has been achieved, it can be cross-checked against the other models to check if it is producing realistic values.