Re: Question on the Application of MDIG for Research Question

[Joel Pitt]

Hi Elizabeth,

You could certainly use MDiG for your research topic, and MDiG makes it relatively easy to specify multiple simulation regions in the model definition file.

Unfortunately I don't have much time these days for simulating dispersal models (I've been sucked into the commercial software world!), but there are others using MDiG for a variety of applications. I've cc'ed the mdig list, where others might be able to chime in about how they've found it.

I'll warn you that while MDiG is pretty flexible and powerful, it's not the easiest software to use... especially from Windows.

Also, be sure to use the version here if possible: https://github.com/ferrouswheel/mdig

To model a variety of dispersal distances, you could use different "treatments" as you mention, but you could also equally just add a new variable to the core model:

http://fruitionnz.com/mdig/index.php?title=DispersalML#A_number_of_.3Cevent.3E_elements

e.g.

<param name="d_a">
  <variable id="var1">
    <value>3000</value>
    <value>2000</value>
  </variable>
</param>

would set the parameter d_a for a GRASS command to 3000 for one simulation, and 2000 for another.

I hope that helps some :-)

Cheers,

Joel

On 7 December 2013 04:49, Elizabeth A LaRue <ela...@purdue.edu> wrote:

Hi Dr. Pitt,
I’m a PhD student at Purdue University and I am interested in using MDIG for one of my thesis objectives. My PhD research is investigating the effects of dispersal variation on the geographic range dynamics of American sea rocket (Cakile edentula, Brassicaceae) in the Laurentian Great Lakes.

I would like to model species distribution in response to future climate change incorporating variation in dispersal across the range. If I understand correctly from one of the examples in the user guide, it would be possible to simulate variation in dispersal distance in different regions of a species range (as different treatments for the different areas). My past experience has been with empirical research, so I am new to modeling. I was just hoping to see what your thoughts were on if this would be feasible in MDIG.

Thanks for your help!
Liz
--
Elizabeth LaRue
PhD Student
Purdue University
Biological Sciences
915 W. State Street
G-369 Lilly Hall
West Lafayette, IN 47906
ela...@purdue.edu

[senait senay]

Dear Liz,

 

Sorry for being out of topic but the species you are working on caught my eye. I have been using MDiG to model the dispersal of P. brassicae (large white butterfly)  in New Zealand, apart from dispersal we were also looking at hybrid climatic species distribution models for P. brassicae.

I came across the literature that sea rockets (both American and European) are hosts of P. brassicae.  This is not a surprise as they are in the Brassicaceae family, but what is interesting is that they might sustain P. brassicae in wild areas even when eradication management is undertaken in gardens and vegetable farms. And coincidentally Cakile edentula has also been introduced to New Zealand.  I would be very interested in the outcome of your study and if you plan to work on interaction between the two species or the possibility of Cakile edentula aiding P. brassicae invasion in areas where it is already introduced I would be very interested to collaborate .

 

Dear Joel,

 

I think Damiano's idea is great, if it is possible to get access on the wiki we can add few examples,  tips etc... so that we can share already asked questions and discussions, this I hope will decrease the time you have to spend on MDiG support as I am sure you are very busy with other projects. Also i really would like to thank you for making my life easier, the existence of MDiG really meant that my last chapter was done, which I am certain would have taken ages if I didn't have MDiG.  I also wrote about Savage et al 2013 and their conclusion about MDiG. I will share that with you as soon as it is finalized.

 

Cheers,

Senait

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "mdig" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to mdig-user+...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[Joel Pitt]

Hi Senait -

If you create a github account, or use one you already have, then
please send me the user name and I'll gladly give you access to the
github wiki. :-)