Integrating and validating urban simulation models

TL;DR

This paper reviews methods for coupling, integrating, and validating urban simulation models, emphasizing their role in developing comprehensive urban theories and supporting sustainable planning.

Contribution

It synthesizes existing research on integrating and validating urban models, proposing a foundation for future development of integrated urban theories and applications.

Findings

Highlights the importance of model coupling and validation

Identifies gaps in current urban simulation approaches

Suggests pathways for sustainable urban planning

Abstract

Urban systems are intrinsically complex, involving different dimensions and scales, and consequently various approaches and scientific disciplines. In that context, urban simulation models have been coined as essential for the construction of evidence-based and integrated urban sciences. This review and position paper synthesises previous work focused on coupling and integrating urban models on the one hand, and exploring and validating such simulation models on the other hand. These research directions are complementary basis for a research program towards the development of integrated urban theories, with some application perspectives to sustainable territorial planning.