Comparing three spatial modeling tools for assessing urban ecosystem services

Spatially explicit modeling is a key method to quantify ecosystem services in cities. We applied and compared three commonly used open-source ecosystem service modeling tools (InVEST, LUCI, Natural Capital Model) to quantify three key urban ecosystem services (air temperature reduction, flood protection and carbon storage) using the city of The Hague as a case study. We found similarities as well as systematic differences between the three modeling tools, which highlight the need for multi-model assessments.

Photo of park Haagse Bos, a green oasis in the city of The Hague providing multiple ecosystem services

Multi-model assessment

Spatially explicit environmental modeling is commonly used to support environment policy, planning and decision making. However, models are inherently uncertain, pointing at a need for model intercomparisons and multi-model approaches. Here we applied three ecosystem services modeling tools to quantify three urban ecosystem services and changes therein under two hypothetical scenarios representing reductions in the amount of urban green space. By comparing model outcomes, we identified and discussed key differences among models and corresponding implications for the outputs.

Differences in model structure and parameterization

We found mostly positive correlations between the model outcomes for a given ecosystem service. Yet, our comparison also identified significant differences in ecosystem service values among the models, particularly in the scenarios. These differences may stem from differences in model structure (differences in biophysical processes the models account for) and model parameterization (difference in the value used to quantify a given biophysical process). As a result, models show different degrees of sensitivity to changes in the amount of urban green space.

Future research implications

Based on our model evaluation, we recommend 1) to improve the representation of urban nature (e.g. green roofs, bioswales, gardens) and urban-specific conditions and processes (e.g. drainage systems, building patterns, soil characteristics) in urban ecosystem service models and 2) to systematically account for uncertainty in (urban) ecosystem services assessments (e.g., through multi-model assessments).

Authors

PBL Authors
Clara Veerkamp Aafke Schipper Milan Loreti
Other authors
Bethanna Jackson
Rubianca Benavidez

Specifications

Publication title
Comparing three spatial modeling tools for assessing urban ecosystem services
Publication date
31 December 2022
Publication type
Article
Page count
12
Publication language
English
Magazine
Ecosystem Services
Issue
2023 (59) 101500
Product number
4414