A generic framework for land-use modelling

In this paper we present the generic modelling system SITE (Simulation of Terrestrial Environments), a software package to develop and apply models simulating regional land-use dynamics. The modelling system includes (i) a framework managing the model generics and (ii) code templates for the development of rule-based land-use and land-cover change (LUCC) models. SITE comprises built-in methods for e.g. map comparison, model optimization and environmental scenarios. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.