Energy
Waste
Water and Sewage
Transport
Green Blue
Buildings & land use
englishdeutsch
Tool Summary Tool Characteristics Tool Application Source of Tools Opinion of Tools

Tool summary

Name of the tool
Land use Evolution and Impact Assessment Model (LEAM)

Description of the tool
LEAM describes land-use changes across a landscape that result from the spatial and dynamic interaction among economic, ecological and social systems in the region. In the LEAM approach, Groups or individuals who have substantive knowledge relating to a particular system develop and test separate models of that system. These contextual sub-models are run simultaneously in each grid cell of raster based GIS maps(s); linked to form the main framework of the dynamic spatial model (LEAM).

Inputs to the model utilize USCS national land use data sets, census and economic data, along with variables relating to impact assessments sub-models to parameterize the models.

The products of the LEAM model runs will be an analysis of a series of policy scenarios; GIS maps or movies that show the transformation of the subject landscape as a product of policy related inputs. These dynamic visual outputs are critical for testing policy scenarios and raising concerns regarding the impacts of development, environmental degradation, or conflicting land-use policies.

The mission of the LEAM group is to help others understand the relationships between human economic/cultural activities and biophysical cycles from a changing land use perspective. The LEAM group believe that it is important that everyone understands that these interacting systems behave in very complex and dynamic ways.

Specific topic
Yes, LEAM allows researchers and planning professionals to realise and address the implications of different types of development on the surrounding area. It aims to improve the land use decision making process and enable the implementation of more sustainable solutions.

Sector/s of use

Waste

Energy

Water

Transport

Green/Blue

Building & Land use

0

0

1

1

1

1

M - main sector, 1 - sub sector and 0 - n/a

Scale of applications

Component

Building

Neighbourhood

City

Region

0

0

0

1

1