Here, the author provides professionals in environmental research and management with the information they need with respect to computer modeling: An understanding of the mathematical fundamentals and the choice of the optimal approach and corresponding software for their particular task.

• Numerous illustrations, flowcharts and graphs, partly in color, as well as worked examples help in comprehending complex mathematical tasks and their solutions without the use of confusing mathematical formalism;
• Case studies from various fields of environmental research, such as landscape ecology, environmental assessment, population ecology, hydrology, and agroecology, facilitate the application of simulation models to the solution of real-world problems;
• Contains a detailed summary of currently available software tools and the application in spatially explicit simulation based on geographic information systems.

The worked examples and case studies cover a broad range of environmental systems and processes, adopting such modern mathematical methodology as partial differential equations, fuzzy logic, hybrid Petri nets, and optimum control theory. The result is a unique presentation of applications for high standard modeling and simulation methodologies in the interdisciplinary fields of environmental research.

"As a teacher of environmental modeling, I've been searching for many years for the perfect text to use courses. My search has ended with the publication of Ralf Seppelt's book and I intend to use it as a core text in modeling courses."
—From the Foreword by Robert Costanza (Gund Institute of Ecological Economics, Burlington, VT, USA)