LDSim Landscape Dynamics Dataset
Spatial outputs from the LDSim landscape dynamics model, including Subbasins, Geophysical Units (GPUs), and Biophysical Classes (BPCs).
About this dataset
LDSim (Landscape Disturbance-Succession Simulator) is a disturbance and succession model used to understand and predict changes in forest ecosystems over time. It is a process-based model that incorporates information about forest disturbances (such as fire, windthrow, and insect outbreaks) and the subsequent recovery and succession of the forest.
The model was developed by Dr. Kevin McGarigal and his colleagues at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is based on the premise that natural disturbances and succession processes are important drivers of forest ecosystem dynamics. The model uses a spatially-explicit approach, meaning that it simulates forest changes at multiple scales of spatial resolution (for example, from the site to the Subbasin scale) to meet different management needs and use cases.
LDSim modeling begins with an assessment of the historical range of variability (HRV) in the forest ecosystem, which is the range of natural variation in ecosystem structure and function that has occurred over a long period of time. This provides a baseline for evaluating the degree to which current forest conditions have deviated from historical patterns. The model then simulates the occurrence of various disturbances, such as fire, and predicts the subsequent recovery and succession of the forest over time.
LDSim modeling can be used to assess the effects of different management interventions, such as prescribed burning or thinning, on forest ecosystem dynamics. It can also be used to evaluate the potential impacts of future disturbances, such as changes in climate or land use.
Overall, LDSim disturbance and succession modeling is a powerful tool for understanding and predicting changes in forest ecosystems over time and guiding management and conservation efforts to maintain or restore more natural conditions.
What’s included in this dataset
How to interpret this layer
- Geophysical Units (GPUs) — fine-scale (~50-acre) vector polygons describing vegetation pattern changes from historical to current conditions, including fire regime departure and ecological condition metrics.
- Subbasins — landscape-scale (~15,000-acre) vector polygons summarizing vegetation change, departure scores, and historical variability metrics suitable for project-level planning.
- Biophysical Classes (BPCs) — categorical mapping of predicted historical biomass levels (low to high), used to support departure calculations across scales.
Note: GPU, Subbasin, and BPC layers reflect different analytical scales and should be used accordingly when assessing landscape change and restoration needs.
Explore the full Data Story
To dive deeper into the methods, context, and example applications behind this dataset, explore the full VPDC Data Story that accompanies it.
See the full Data Story ⭢How to get Started:
- Explore the map: Zoom and pan to locate your area of interest. The tile grid outlines the spatial boundaries of the dataset.
- Select your tiles: Click one or more tiles to highlight them. Each tile corresponds to a geographic area you can download.
- Review & adjust: Use the checkboxes in the selection list to confirm or deselect tiles.
- Download your data: Click the "Download Data" button to bundle your selected tiles into a single ZIP file.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Download limitations: For best performance, please select no more than 20 tiles per download. Larger selections may slow your browser or cause issues.
- Need more coverage? No problem—just download in smaller batches. All tiles use the same folder structure, so you can easily merge them later in your GIS software for seamless regional analysis.
- Working at larger scales? For very large areas, contact us to discuss alternative delivery options.
Tiling grid: To keep downloads efficient and analysis straightforward, the dataset is organized into a fixed tiling grid. This approach prioritizes optimal file sizes and regional coverage for analytical workflows. While the grid follows standard geospatial conventions, it is not pixel-aligned to USGS ARD or other standardized grids.
Selected Data Tiles:
Download
LDSim Landscape Dynamics Dataset
Spatial outputs from the LDSim landscape dynamics model, including Subbasins, Geophysical Units (GPUs), and Biophysical Classes (BPCs).
Direct Download (Full File) - HTTPS Link
Use this link to download the entire file directly to your local storage through the browser. This method is ideal for quick and easy access but requires sufficient local storage and bandwidth for the full download.
Download data:
Geophysical Units (GPU)
Fine-scale (~50-acre) polygons describing vegetation pattern change, HRV comparison, and departure metrics.
Subbasins
Landscape-scale (~15,000-acre) polygons summarizing LDSim departure metrics and vegetation condition.
Biophysical Units & Classes (BPU/BPC)
Biophysical Units (BPU) and their associated Biophysical Classes (BPC), representing historical biomass patterns used in LDSim departure calculations.
Heading
Explore scenario data downloads
Use the filters, then click a group to reveal individual downloads.
Geophysical Units (GPU)
Fine-scale (~50-acre) polygons describing vegetation pattern change, HRV comparison, and departure metrics.
Subbasins
Landscape-scale (~15,000-acre) polygons summarizing LDSim departure metrics and vegetation condition.
Biophysical Units & Classes (BPU/BPC)
Biophysical Units (BPU) and their associated Biophysical Classes (BPC), representing historical biomass patterns used in LDSim departure calculations.
Direct Access
Get hands-on access to this dataset using interactive notebooks. Choose between the Google Colab notebook for quick exploration in your browser or access the hosted Jupyter Notebooks via Binder or GitHub for more advanced workflows.
Direct access to the Google Collab notebook
Open and explore instantly
Click the button to the left to launch an interactive notebook directly in your browser. This pre-configured Colab notebook provides a quick and easy way to explore, visualize, and analyze the data—no setup required.
GitHub hosted Jupyter Notebooks
Flexible access for advanced workflows
Access the full collection of Jupyter Notebooks hosted on GitHub. These notebooks can be used on your local machine or via cloud platforms like Binder or Google Colaboratory, providing flexibility for more advanced customizations.
Licensing & Attribution
Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial–ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0).
You may share and adapt this dataset for noncommercial purposes with attribution under the same license.
Required Attribution:
© 2025 Vibrant Planet. Distributed by Vibrant Planet Data Commons. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
For commercial or special-use requests, email us at contact@vpdatacommons.org
Disclaimer
Vibrant Planet provides the information hosted on the Vibrant Planet Data Commons site (www.vpdatacommons.org) (the “Site”) as a PUBLIC SERVICE for NONCOMMERCIAL USES only. The information is provided as-is, as-available, and without warranty of any kind, whether express, implied, or statutory, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information. Further, we do not warrant that this site will (i) be uninterrupted or error-free; or (ii) result in any desired outcome. We are not responsible for content of other services, data or public information that may be used by or linked to this site. By accessing this website and/or the data contained within, you assume the entire responsibility and liability related to the use of the information it contains, and you release Vibrant Planet Data Commons, Vibrant Planet and all data providers from liability. You may use the Site only for lawful purposes.
Users also should note that property boundaries included on any map do not represent an on-the-ground survey suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. They represent only the approximate relative locations. We reserve the right to withdraw or amend this Site, and any service or material we provide on the Site, in our sole discretion without notice. We will not be liable if for any reason all or any part of the Site is unavailable at any time or for any period. From time to time, we may restrict access to some parts of the Site, or the entire Site to users or visitors to the site. The Site and its entire contents, features, and functionality (including but not limited to all information, software, text, displays, images, video, and audio, and the design, selection, and arrangement thereof) are owned by Vibrant Planet Data Commons, its licensors, or other providers of such material and are protected by United States and international copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, and other intellectual property or proprietary rights laws. This site is operated by Vibrant Planet Data Commons.