GIS Model Methods

GIS (Geographic Information System) modelling can take on various forms; the typical
method preferred in a land use context is that of resource/environmental modelling which takes many
environmental factors such as slope, hydrology, etc. and combines them into a ranked model.
Suitability is also an important factor in any of these environmental suitability models as is elevation
which is also a key element in this suitability determination. “In much environmental modeling a
digital elevation (DEM) is used. Elevation is useful as an independent variable in its own right for
such environmental analyses as habitat modeling, but it can be used to calculate other independent
variables such as slope and aspect.”10 For a successful GIS model there must be a clear inventory of
the features to be modeled and the factors that the model will use, such as roads, wildlife populations,
forests, slopes, and other natural characteristics. As well, the creator should research and determine
what program will be used to create the model (eg. ArcView's Model Builder), and if any type of
programming language (eg. Avenue programming) will be used to automate the model creation
process.”11 In terms of GIS modelling, the data methods or sources are usually raster or vector, line
and polygon data. “It is usually preferable to use vector data structure when modeling in GIS.”12
These methods are general environmental methods and not necessarily specific to tourism modelling.