A new raster-based spatial modelling system: 5D environment

The functional description of natural systems requires the representation of different classes of processes including chemical, biochemical, and physical functions, with or without their spatial representation. On the other hand, there are several cases where a realistic representation of the process dynamics needs a spatially explicit implementation of the model (eg. hydrological flows, fire propagation, pollution diffusion, etc.). In more general terms, and for different scientific fields, scaling problems and the issue of linking dynamic and spatial processes require an integrated logic and appropriate software solutions. Different tools aimed at implementing spatial modelling capability (PCRaster, SME, SimARC) have not yet achieved a full integration of spatial and dynamic processes, especially for users with limited programming ability. In pursuit of this capability, a new raster-based spatial modelling system named “5D environment” has been implemented and it is presented here.