Illustrating a new 'conceptual design pattern' for agent-based models of land use via five case studies—the MR POTATOHEAD framework
Loading...
Date
2008
Authors
Parker, Dawn Cassandra
Brown, Daniel G.
Polhill, J. Gary
Deadman, Peter J.
Manson, Steven M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universidad de Valladolid
Abstract
This chapter presents a "conceptual design pattern" (CDP) that represents key elements of standard
ABM/LUCC models in a comprehensive logical framework and includes basic functionality and data
often present in ABM/LUCC models. The CDP illustrates the key building blocks for ABM/LUCC
models, creating a template to assist scholars new to the field to understand existing models and design
their own models. Second, the framework facilitates direct comparison of the structure and function of
existing models. We present five separately developed models within this framework (SLUDGE,
SOME, FEARLUS, LUCITA, and SYPRIA), demonstrating how multiple models can be represented
and compared within the same meta-structure. The exercise highlights elements common to all
models, demonstrates the unique contributions of each model, reveals commonalities between models,
and highlights processes associated with land-use change that are not covered by our models. The
CDP as presented here is very much a work in progress, and we welcome feedback from other
ABM/LUCC developers, in the hopes of ultimately developing a shared model representation that will
accelerate the development of not only ABM/LUCC, but also the theory of land-use change.
Description
Keywords
agent-based modelling; land-use/land-cover change; ontology; design pattern; model standardization, Research Subject Categories::INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AREAS