What is the benefit of using several conceptual models?
Similar to the call for using multiple methods in land change science (Campbell et al. 2005) and support of multiple methods in a portfolio approach (Young et al. 2006), the use of more than one of the outlined models is a promising approach for complex research projects. A research project could be developed using several models sequentially or in parallel, analogous to the use of several methods promoted in Young et al. (2006). Integrated models provide a good framework for the combination of two or more conceptual models, though many integrated models are based on a single conceptual model. Integrated models of land change consider the interactions and linkages between two or more components of a spatial system. For example, Gaube et al. (2009) combined an agent-based model, a GIS-based land use module, and a stock-flow model of carbon and nitrogen flows. The agent-based model represents the A-C conceptual model, whereas the GIS-based land use model represents primarily the DF-C mod
