We developed a spatially explicit, individual-based model with the following aims: (a) to model daily activity and movement of chamois using behavioural data, (b) to investigate the effects of data-based and random parameters, respectively, on simulated habitat use patterns and (c) to explore the effects of changes in habitat preference on habitat use by chamois. Simulated habitat use on different habitat preference maps was consistent with expected habitat use resulting from preference for and abundance of the habitat types. The spatial pattern of habitat use depended on the activity rather than on the movement parameters. Realistic patterns were only obtained when parameter values for activity were based upon field data, regardless of whether movement parameters were random or data-based. While activity parameters have no explicit information on habitat use, those describing the occurrence and duration of the behaviours do contain implicit spatial information. Data-based movement and/or random activity resulted in a larger range than random movement and/or data-based activity. Simulated forest use by chamois was not affected by the changes in habitat preference for the alpine pastures when the spatial arrangement of habitat was taken into account.