Self-paced training

by Tom Moore , November 28, 2025

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 recent makeover to expand the material, provide better step-by-step illustrations, and to highlight new features. This article describes the training that is available and what it covers.

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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 that are available:

  • Quick Tour I introduces the software and goes from the basics to the intermediate concepts: starting the software, browsing datasets, setting targets, running simulations and exploring trade-offs. This module is suitable for beginnier analysts or those who have some familiarity with forest planning and would like to get an insight into how Patchworks operates. The module take 2 to 3 hours to complete.
  • Quick Tour II introduces the builtin spatial operators that make Patchworks unique such as patch size distribution targets, the multiple-product to multiple-destination transportation formulation, and road density management. Getting in to 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 the all of 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 intructor lead training offerings.