InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs)

Purpose: Quantify, map and value the benefits of ecosystem services
Developer: Natural Capital Project
Key Features: Most model analyses have switched from ArcGIS to Python
Latest Release: 2015, Version 3.2
OS Platform: Windows
Cost: Free
Related Software:
Website: InVEST home page

Introduction

The InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs) model, first released in 2008, uses an ecological and economic production function to quantify, map and value the benefits provided by terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems under current and future management scenarios. The suite is best suited for analysis of multiple services and multiple objectives. The program can be applied to map the location and value of sediment loading areas behind a dam, hydropower production, nutrient retention, as well as crop pollination, tourism protection of coastal areas from erosion or inundation, etc.

The key feature of the InVEST model is the use of Python instead of ArcGIS Spatial Analyst, which allows free software such as QGIS to be used for spatial analysis.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages Limitations
  • Results can be reported in either biophysical (amount of change in environmental units) or monetary (net present value) terms
  • Allows tiered approach to modeling based on data
  • Natural Capital offers training programs
  • Calculates net present value of ecosystem
  • Compares future scenario alternatives
  • Detailed user’s manual and technical reports
  • Many models do not require ArcGIS and use only Python
  • Limited modeling of feedback between ecosystem services
  • Technical support is not provided by Natural Capital
  • Offers simplified models of reality; not applicable for detailed analysis
  • Theoretical discussion and framework for terrestrial and freshwater not provide in user manual

Illustrative Screens

Sample Applications

Africa East Asia and the Pacific Europe & Central Asia Latin America & the Caribbean Middle East and North Africa South Asia
China (Land use planning) Colombia (Ecosystem conservation – water quality and quantity)

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