In plant community studies numerical methods have significance beyong problem solving due to their capacity to shape the scientific outlook on problem areas. This type of computer assisted analysis allows the users attention to shift towards complex pattern exploration which requires a flexible, multi-technique analytical environment. This environment, permitting experiments with data as well as ideas, is a clear break with classical statistics. The importance of this is fully recognized when the questions posed involve thinking of data analysis as a process. It is in the context of this flexible, explorative analytical environment that we offer the program package MULVA-4, described in this book, for use in plant community studies. MULVA-4 comprises as many as 21 different programs connected by input and output. Each program can stand alone or can be used as a module in any higher level analysis configuration. The methodology is explained. Genuine examples illustrate the operations.
