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Ecological and Urban Systems Models: Some Explorations of Similarities in the Context of Complexity Theory

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  • Alan G Wilson

    (Higher Education Directorate, Department for Education and Skills, Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BT, England; and Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1 7HB, England)

Abstract

There are similarities of form between urban system models and models of ecosystems. These are systematically explored and a general model formulation which embraces both kinds of model is presented. Some insights are gained by using ideas from ecosystem modelling in urban modelling. The biggest gains, however, are for ecosystem modelling. It is demonstrated that urban techniques can be used for incorporating spatial competition effects into such models in novel ways, and that the complex dynamics can then be effectively interpreted. Urban systems have contributed significantly to complexity theory in the past—because they are complicated enough to be interesting but simple enough to be solvable. These insights can now be transferred to complex (spatial) ecosystems. The possibility of joint eco-urban models is explored.

Suggested Citation

  • Alan G Wilson, 2006. "Ecological and Urban Systems Models: Some Explorations of Similarities in the Context of Complexity Theory," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 38(4), pages 633-646, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:38:y:2006:i:4:p:633-646
    DOI: 10.1068/a37102
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    Cited by:

    1. Gauthier, Nicolas, 2019. "Trade, migration, and the dynamics of spatial interaction," SocArXiv trbf8, Center for Open Science.
    2. Paul Plummer & Eric Sheppard & Robert Haining, 2012. "Rationality, Stability, and Endogenous Price Formation in Spatially Interdependent Markets," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 44(3), pages 538-559, March.
    3. An, Li, 2012. "Modeling human decisions in coupled human and natural systems: Review of agent-based models," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 229(C), pages 25-36.
    4. Matti Kuronen, 2011. "Systems in partnership-based urban residential development," ERES eres2011_164, European Real Estate Society (ERES).
    5. Angeliki Peponi & Paulo Morgado, 2020. "Transition to Smart and Regenerative Urban Places (SRUP): Contributions to a New Conceptual Framework," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(1), pages 1-18, December.
    6. Mohajeri, Nahid & Gudmundsson, Agust & Scartezzini, Jean-Louis, 2015. "Statistical-thermodynamics modelling of the built environment in relation to urban ecology," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 307(C), pages 32-47.
    7. Boeing, Geoff, 2017. "Methods and Measures for Analyzing Complex Street Networks and Urban Form," SocArXiv 93h82, Center for Open Science.
    8. Paul Plummer & Raymond Dezzani, 2012. "Probabilistic Political Economy in Geographical Context," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 44(3), pages 513-517, March.
    9. Noronha Vaz, E. de & Nainggolan, D. & Nijkamp, P. & Painho, M., 2011. "A complex spatial systems analysis of tourism and urban sprawl in the Algarve," Serie Research Memoranda 0003, VU University Amsterdam, Faculty of Economics, Business Administration and Econometrics.

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