Geographic information systems: a methodological contribution to ecosystem research, illustrated by the example of four main research areas in the Federal Republic of Germany

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are being processed on a scale of 1:10 000 and 1:200 000 for four main research areas within the Federal Republic of Germany. In their relationally organized data bases they store a variety of spatial data concerning geology, soils, land using, emissions and climatic factors. Putting several single maps upon another enables every detail of the data sets as well as any combination of details to be picked out. A connection between these spatial data and a dynamic feedback model shall be a means to check the essential hypotheses concerning the development of the latest forest decline. (orig.)