Land Use Evolution and Impact Assessment Model
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The Land Use Evolution and Impact Assessment Model (or LEAM) is a computer impact assessment model developed by LEAMgroup, Inc. The desktop model simulates alternative land use transformation scenarios over many years. LEAMgroup is different than most land use transformation models because it takes into account many drivers that contribute to the overall outcome. The goal of the model is to determine the growth potential of all land within the greater LEAM model. Population, geography and land use for a particular study area serve as background information from which decisions are based concerning future land use changes. Economics, transportation, utilities, neighboring land uses, and random chance all contribute to a final growth decision within a given cell.
The mission of the LEAMgroup is to help others understand the relationships between human economic/cultural activities and biophysical cycles from a changing land use perspective. Understanding the extent of how one system affects another will allow for further understanding of land use management and to more informed decisions in the future.