Ecosystem services modeling in contrasting landscapes

Landscape ecology can make a large contribution to ecosystem service (ES) studies since most ESs are place-based, and thus best evaluated, maintained, enhanced, and restored using integrative techniques at the landscape scale. Integration of field observation, modeling, and remote sensing are increasingly used to quantify and assess ES at different scales. In this special issue, several comprehensive methodologies and tools are described in the thirteen papers included. The papers are grouped into four categories: modelling and evaluation of carbon and water services of ecosystems, comprehensive analysis and assessment of multiple ESs, integrated ES methodologies for conservation, and development of integrated modeling environments for ESs. We believe that these papers provide both useful methods and tools to simulate and evaluate ESs at different spatial and temporal scales, as well as interesting results from case studies. We also hope that they can provide information for policy makers and managers regarding wiser landscape management and conservation.