Attributes
In ST-Sim, Attributes are user-defined optional indicators. They allow users to define the list of possible attributes for a project. Attributes are defined in ST-Sim using Attribute Group, State Attribute Type and Transition Attribute Type. Attribute types and groups are set up once for a ST-Sim project as part of the project's definitions; the formula for calculating each attribute, however, is defined as part of a model scenario using the attribute values properties (State Attribute Values and Transition Attribute Values).
Attribute Group
Attribute groups are mainly used to organize attribute types within the charting and mapping user interface. The fields for Attribute Group are Name and Description (optional). Related state attribute types or transition attribute types can be grouped by assigning them to a single attribute group.
State Attribute Type
State attribute types are defined as a mathematical function of the area in one or more state classes. Each attribute type can belong to at most one attribute group; the assignment of an attribute type to a group is optional, allowing for singleton attribute types. The fields for State Attribute Type are Name, Attribute Group, Units and Description. All fields except Name are accessible from the Context Menu as options.
Examples:
- A Live Biomass lookup table approach could be used to track biomass as a function of a cell's state class and age;
- A Habitat state attribute could define which state classes provide suitable habitat for a particular wildlife species to allow tracking of suitable habitat area over time.
Transition Attribute Type
Transition attribute types are defined as a mathematical function of the area undergoing one or more transitions. Each attribute type can belong to at most one attribute group; the assignment of an attribute type to a group is optional, allowing for singleton attribute types. The fields for Transition Attribute Type are Name, Attribute Group, Units and Description. All fields except Name are accessible from the Context Menu as options.
Examples:
- A Cost transition attribute could be used to track costs incurred as a function of transition type, and state class;
- A Timber Harvest Volume transition attribute could track volume harvested as a function of transition type, state class and age of a cell.