Release of FlightPath v1.2

FlightPath is a terrain-based model for simulating raptor migration pathways.

You'll need to download:

the FlightPath user's manual (pdf) (note, user's manual has not been updated to v1.2)
the FlightPathV12.exe program file
the FlightPathdatafiles.7z archive (Windows 7-Zip archive containing the Pennsylvania DEM files)


First put the files in a common folder/directory on your computer. Then extract the archive (right-click on FlightPathdatafiles.7z and select 7-Zip - Extract Here), giving you a file folder named FlightPathdatafiles. If you don't have the datafiles folder in the same location as the .exe file, you will get a 'Path not found' error when you try to run the model. Don't mess with the stuff in the folder or the model may not run. Double click on FlightpathV12.exe to run the model.

FlightPath will run on any PC, but it crunches a lot of numbers so I highly recommend you have at least 2 GB of RAM and a fast processor. Model runs can take over an hour in some cases.

Please read through the user's manual before playing with the model or sending me questions about how it works!

Thanks for any feedback you can provide about how the model runs and features you would like to see that aren't available now. You will no doubt notice that the interface is not real slick or flexible as compared to modern software packages -- that's because I'm not a professional software programmer!

Note: I welcome collaborations to expand the model domain. My primary interest is the Appalachian Mountain chain but the model may also be applied with further modifications to other regions of North America. This would involve adding some new model mechanisms and rules that are not critical for simulating migration through Pennsylvania.


David Brandes
updated Apr 2009

Project funded by Pennsylvania DCNR