From pattern to practice: a scaling-down strategy for spatially explicit modelling illustrated by the spread and control of rabies

摘要: A major problem in ecological modelling is finding the appropriate level of resolution when describing processes and structures systems. When basic questions, as a rule best approach to ignore much detail possible order obtain general insights. However, for applied problems focusing particular on systems, there are no clear guidelines identifying most space, time description. Spatially explicit thus has mainly rely trial error scaling-up from at local scale exploration model global scale. We demonstrate here strategy that takes opposite approach: starting scale, with strategic minimum resolution, we proceed step by addressing questions. The designed reproduce certain pattern observed nature. As an example, use wave-like spreading rabies. addresses question whether rabies might persist areas high proportion foxes immunized oral vaccination. consequence our scaling-down strategy, not chosen priori, but emerges strategy. During each refinement, one module preceding described slightly increased resolution. This stepwise allows both backward reference reproduced cross-reference between coarser finer version refined. main potential it leads efficient models way, since complement approaches, also help bridge gap theoretical modelling.