Habitat Suitability Modeling - Sterling Range, VT

Suitability Modeling uses raster data about relevant factors to identify areas most suitable for a purpose. This exercise focused on finding ideal areas for bobcat habitats in Sterling Range, VT, with the goal of optimizing conservation efforts. This was an academic exercise using data provided by the Vermont Center of Geographic Information.

I organized a series of raster layers about factors like geographic slope, food availability, the locations of streams, and land use to create submodels, which I assigned weights toward a suitability evaluation. This process revealed the best areas for conservation purposes, and the most cost-effective route to connect them.

This type of map can combine complex sets of information to create clarity and reduce both risks and costs, while improving likelihood of project success. We can apply it to wilderness or urban areas, public health and safety, the distribution of resources, or new construction, to name a few.

Click below to see some parts of the process.