ALGR: A multi-purpose agricultural landscape generator in R

Area of Science:

• Ecological modeling
• Agricultural landscape simulation
• Spatial analysis

Background:

• Spatially explicit ecological models require dynamic landscape maps for accurate simulations.
• Existing agricultural landscape generators (ALG) are often limited by being static, non-general, or overly simplified.
• There is a need for flexible, adaptable tools to generate realistic agricultural landscapes for modeling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce ALGR, a novel, general-purpose, dynamic agricultural landscape generator.
• To provide a tool that balances structural realism with adaptability for diverse applications.
• To enable seamless integration within the R programming and r-spatial package environments.

Main Methods:

• ALGR employs a three-step approach: outlining potential space, field placement, and landscape enrichment.
• The generator is designed for adaptability to diverse regions and applications.
• Integration with the R programming environment and r-spatial packages is a key feature.

Main Results:

• ALGR generates agricultural landscapes with realistic spatial patterns.
• The tool demonstrates flexibility through examples including land use share simulation and parameter tuning.
• It facilitates the recreation of real-world landscape patterns and spatial distribution of crop portfolios.

Conclusions:

• ALGR is the first ALG specifically designed for easy integration within the R environment.
• Its general-purpose nature and adaptability make it a valuable tool for ecological and agricultural modelers.
• ALGR simplifies the integration of dynamic landscape generation into modeling workflows.