The Numerical Terradynamic Simulation Group is a lab pioneering new approaches for addressing regional ecological problems.

The mission of NTSG is:

 

"To develop capabilities to quantitatively describe the structure and function of ecosystems, from regional to global scales, using emerging technologies in satellites, geographic information systems, computer simulation and visualization, and biophysical theory."

 

   

NTSG has executed a number of studies of forest and natural plant communities. Projects have involved all scales of ecological study: from a single acre to the entire globe. NTSG integrates biometeorology, remote sensing, geographic -information -systems, and -computer -simulation with ecological analysis. Spinoffs of projects have- included a new -forest -taxation system for Montana based -upon forest growth potential, the evaluation of forest recovery after -wildfire via satellite data, the development of -satellite based monitoring for lake water quality, the improvement -of range -production through models utilizing satellite data, and the building of microclimate maps which improve snowmelt, runoff, and flooding projections.