Sensitivity Analysis of the Army Training and Testing Area Carrying Capacity (ATTACC) Model to User-specified Starting Parameters

Abstract

Abstract : Sensitivity analysis is useful in formulation, calibration, and verification of environmental models. Sensitivity analysis of a model's responses to variations in input values can be used to indicate the relative importance of individual input values. Emphasis can then be placed on developing and refining those data that have the greatest influence on the model output The Army Training and Testing Area Carrying Capacity (ATTACC) program is a methodology for estimating training and testing land carrying capacity. The methodology is used to determine land rehabilitation and maintenance costs associated with land-based training and other uses. ATTACC is part of the Army's Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM) Program. A sensitivity analysis of the ATTACC model was completed that included all input variables associated with the environmental, training load, and cost analysis components of the model. Tests of the ATTACC model identified the user-supplied parameters to which the model is most sensitive.