Training Workshops - SyncroSim 2023

SyncroSim training workshops took place at the SyncroSim 2023 User Conference. Three workshop options were offered:

1. Landscape change modeling using ST-Sim

Instructor: Leonardo Frid (ApexRMS)

This workshop will provide a foundation for developing and running state-and-transition simulation models with integrated stock-flow models for landscape change modelling. You will be exposed to a range of examples of ST-Sim models, from models of vegetation dynamics to integrated models of ecosystem carbon dynamics. Then, through a series of hands-on exercises using the open-source ST-Sim package within SyncroSim, you will learn how to create and run ST-Sim models and interpret their results.

The workshop will demonstrate how to interact with ST-Sim using Excel, Python, and the R programming language. No software knowledge or disciplinary expertise is required for registration.

2. Carbon modeling with LUCAS

Instructors: Ben Sleeter (U.S. Geological Survey) and Bronwyn Rayfield (ApexRMS)

In this workshop, you will gain hands-on experience on how to run the Land Use and Carbon Simulator (LUCAS), a stochastic and spatially-explicit model for forecasting the effects land use and land cover change on ecosystem carbon dynamics (Sleeter et al. 2018, Sleeter et al. 2022). LUCAS is unique in its ability to generate forecasts anywhere in North America while integrating landscape change and carbon dynamics spatially across any land cover type. Additionally, LUCAS can estimate uncertainty from fine resolutions (e.g., 30 meter) to large geographic areas (e.g., statewide and national). The workshop will begin with an introduction to the science behind LUCAS and include a walk-through of the model structure, key assumptions, data requirements, and past applications. In the second half of the workshop, you will learn how to configure and run LUCAS for your own landscape.

Demonstration examples will be provided during the workshop using the R programming language. No software knowledge or disciplinary expertise is required. Yet, previous experience developing and running ST-Sim models is encouraged, as LUCAS was built using the SyncroSim stsim and stsimsf packages. For example, prior to the workshop, participants may choose to complete Day 1 of the self-directed ST-Sim online course, or preferably Days 1 and 2.

3. SyncroSim workflows, packages and cloud

Instructor: Colin Daniel (ApexRMS)

This SyncroSim workshop is for users interested in unlocking new advanced features of SyncroSim, including: linking models together into multi-stage workflows, publishing models online, and developing custom SyncroSim packages. First, the workshop will introduce you to the new SyncroSim pipeline feature for modularizing modeling workflows into reproducible stages, from downloading data and pre-processing model inputs, to running multiple models in succession (e.g., connecting ST-Sim with Omniscape, BurnP3+ and WISDM) and post-processing results. Then, you will learn how to prepare and publish model libraries for others to use through the new cloud version of SyncroSim. Finally, the workshop will demonstrate how to create custom SyncroSim packages using the new SyncroSim Package Designer. With Package Designer, you will also learn how to create add-on packages to extend the functionality of existing SyncroSim base packages, and how to add conda support to manage SyncroSim dependencies.

Demonstration examples will be provided using Python and R. No software knowledge or disciplinary expertise is required, but previous experience developing and running SyncroSim is encouraged. As an example, prior to the workshop, participants may choose to complete Day 1 of the self-directed ST-Sim online course.