Direct and indirect parametrization of a localized model for the mountain pine beetle - lodgepole pine system

The dynamic interaction between mountain pine beetles (MPB) and one of its hosts is reviewed briefly. The 'local' projection of a partial differential equation model describing this interaction is employed in model parameter estimation. Methods and assumptions for estimating non-fitted parameter values are given. Assigning values to non-fitted parameters, direct and indirect parametrization techniques are employed to estimate remaining parameter values. The indirect method is quickly and easily applied to many data sets but requires some assumptions and model simplifications. The direct method requires fewer assumptions but is computationally intensive. The results of these two techniques are compared and evaluated. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.