ESML Data and Guiding Concepts

Purpose of ESML

ESML is designed to help users identify models, for use in estimating production of ecosystem goods and services. We refer to these models broadly as “ecological models,” or EMs, because they refer to processes (including physical processes) occurring in ecosystems.

The ideal EM for application to a particular issue…

• should address defined modeling objectives
• should apply within the appropriate environmental context
• would require the right degree of effort and expertise
• should characterize the level of uncertainty

Click the links above to learn how ESML describes these factors.

View the ESML Data Map to see how ESML describes each EM.

Browse the Current Listing of EMs.

Read Searching EMs or the ESML Bibliography to learn about different ways to find information in ESML.

Most entries in ESML describe specific applications of EMs. Since model formulations often change from one application to the next, focusing on a specific application minimizes the problem posed by model versioning. Applications also include valuable information on context and often on uncertainty as well. For more information, read What is the difference between EMs, EM applications and EM runs?

In addition to its main purpose of finding EMs, ESML users can also

• find information about variable values used in model applications
• examine the potential for linking EMs by sorting variables into ESML Variable Classification Hierarchy top level categories

ESML does NOT contain model formulas; ESML does NOT perform computations; ESML is NOT a substitute for the original source documentation (read more about some things ESML is not).