Exploratory Data Analysis in Ecological modelling framework

The goal of this article is to discuss advantages of joining visual analytic tools and computer simulation modelling in Forestry. Advantages and possibilities of this uniting have been mentioned earlier (Chertov et al., 2005). Forest ecosystem simulation model, Geographical Information System and Exploratory Data Analysis are the best tools allowing for creating a decision support system (DSS) for forestry managers and scientists. As an example CommonGIS software is applied together with EFIMOD model of forest growth and elements cycling for analysis of forest ecosystem development under different silvicultural scenarios. Such an application allows for the fast and comprehensive choice of best scenarios in respect to different criteria, for example, carbon and nitrogen dynamics in soil and vegetation, highest production of merchantable tree compartments etc.