An overview and participatory framework for choosing spatial boundaries in social–ecological systems modeling
Perella, Christina; Vukomanovic, Jelena; Hickman, Caleb R.; Terando, Adam; Eaton, Mitchell; Schaefer, Marie
A common challenge when modeling social–ecological systems (SESs) is defining the spatial extent of the system. Boundaries that do not adequately capture both social and ecological processes and their interactions can lead to mischaracterization of the system, while expanding boundaries too widely can impact model complexity and required resources. Socially, boundaries can invoke and influence identity, culture, power, and sense of place. Boundary decisions benefit from flexible, iterative appro