Historical Development of Simulation Models of Recreation Use

Abstract

The potential utility of modeling as a park and wilderness management tool has been recognized for decades. Romesburg (1974) explored how mathematical decision modeling could be used to improve decisions about regulation of wilderness use. Cesario (1975) described a computer simulation modeling approach that utilized GPSS (General Purpose Systems Simulator), a simulation language designed to deal with scheduling problems. He identified a number of potential uses and the advantages of using simulation instead of trial and error. In this chapter, we review many of the most important applications of computer simulation modeling to recreation use, and the major lessons learned during each application.Individual papers from this publication

Parent Publication

• Computer simulation modeling of recreation use: Current status, case studies, and future directions

Citation

van Wagtendonk, Jan W.; Cole, David N. 2005. Historical Development of Simulation Models of Recreation Use. In: Cole, David N., comp. 2005. Computer simulation modeling of recreation use: current status, case studies, and future directions. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-143. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 3-10