Multi-actor-based land use modelling: spatial planning using agents

This paper describes a spatial planning model combining a multi-agent simulation (MAS) approach with cellular automata (CA). The model includes individual actor behaviour according to a bottom-up modelling concept. Spatial planning intentions and related decision making of planning actors is defined by agents. CA is used to infer the knowledge needed by the agents to make decisions about the future of a spatial organisation in a certain area. The innovative item of this approach offers a framework for modelling complex land use planning process by extending CA approach with MAS. The modelling approach is demonstrated by the implementation of a pilot model using JAVA and the SWARM agent modelling toolkit. The pilot model itself is applied to a study area near the city of Nijmegen, The Netherlands.