Coefficients
Five coefficient, or parameter, values effect how the growth rules are applied. These values are calibrated by comparing simulated land cover change to a study area's historical data.

Growth rules
SLEUTH begins with a set of inital conditions which is the input data configuration of the landscape. A set of decision, or growth, rules is then applied to the data to simulate urban driven land cover change.

Self modification
The coefficients do not necessarily remain static throughout an application. In response to rapid or depressed growth rates, the coefficients may increase or decrease to further encourage growth rate trends.