The goal of this course is to show how to use geographical models for simulation of geographical processes. This is done by discussing the basic concepts, workflows and the special methods of geosimulation illustrated by interactive examples.

Basic GIS knowledge, basic understanding of programming

Geosimulation brings together a diversity of theories and techniques,

offering a unique perspective that traditional simulation has commonly

lacked: a view of spatial phenomena as a result of the collective

dynamics of interacting objects. Such objects are often represented at

the scale of individual households, people, and units of real estate and at time-scales approaching "real time". This course will give a

comprehensive overview about different methods of geosimulation like

cellular automata, multi-agent systems, finite element methods, particle systems, and spatial micro simulation. In the lab exercises students explore the potential of these geosimulation techniques in order to support the solution of spatial decision support problems.

After an introduction to geosimulation and introductory examples the following methods are presented and exercises in using them are given:

- Cellular Automata

- Multi Agent Systems (http://mas.uni-klu.ac.at/)

- Fuzzy Modelling

- Knowledge Based Methods e.g. expert systems, ontologies (http://harmonisa.uni-klu.ac.at/)

- Genetic algorithms

- Neural networks

No data available

discussions, reading

Final examination
Geosimulation project, presentation, written report