Self-paced training
Online self-paced training is available for the Patchworks modeling system. The training modules are included in the online documentation and are available to all Patchworks users. This self-paced training has had a recently been revamped to expand the material, provide better step-by-step illustrations, and highlight new features. This article describes the training that is available and what it covers.
The self-paced training is organized as a set of "Quick Tours" that cover using the software and building models. There are three main tours available:
- Quick Tour I introduces the software and progresses from the basics to intermediate concepts: starting the software, browsing datasets, setting targets, running simulations, and exploring trade-offs. This module is suitable for beginner analysts or those who have some familiarity with forest planning and would like to gain insight into how Patchworks operates. This module takes 2 to 3 hours to complete.
- Quick Tour II introduces the built-in spatial operators that make Patchworks unique, such as patch size distribution targets, the multiple-product to multiple-destination transportation formulation, and road density management. Delving into more advanced concepts, this module explains how the spatial objectives work and provides a better understanding of the capabilities of Patchworks. This module takes 2 to 3 hours to complete.
- Quick Tour III walks through all the steps to build a complete working Patchworks model. This module demystifies the model-building process using the model-building toolkit on a real dataset, including patch and transportation datasets and targets. This module takes 2 to 3 hours to complete.
These self-paced training modules are complementary to our other instructor-led training offerings.