RBSim: Geographic Simulation of Wilderness Recreation Behavior

Authors: Gimblett H.R.¹; Richards M.T.²; Itami R.M.³

Source: Journal of Forestry, Volume 99, Number 4, 1 April 2001 , pp. 36-42(7)

Publisher: Society of American Foresters

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Abstract:

Simulation techniques are used to explore the complex spatial interactions between recreationists and their environment as a way to improve wildland recreation management. The Recreation Behavior Simulator (RBSim) uses rule-driven autonomous agents as surrogates for human visitors coupled with geographic information systems to represent the environment for dynamically simulating recreation behavior. Behavioral rules are derived from visitor surveys conducted in Broken Arrow Canyon, Sedona, Arizona. Model runs allow both statistical and spatial analysis to quantify and explore recreationists' movement patterns, encounters, and the influence of management actions on visitor use levels.

Keywords: computer simulation; multiple use; recreation; environmental management; forest; forest management; forest resources; forestry; forestry research; forestry science; natural resources; natural resource management

Document Type: Miscellaneous

Affiliations: 1: Professor School of Renewable Natural Resources, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, gimblett@ag.arizona.edu 2: Professor Emeritus School of Forestry, College of Ecosystem Science and Management, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff 3: Senior Research Fellow Department of Geomatics, Faculty of Engineering, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia

Publication date: 2001-04-01

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