Research Article
Nov 1979
Large-Scale Urban Modeling
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VIEW THE REPLYPublication: Journal of the Urban Planning and Development Division
Volume 105, Issue 2
Abstract
Large-scale urban modeling has been criticized for failing to produce practical tools despite great costs. Among the simulation techniques proposed for modeling the socioeconomic sector is Forrester’s Systems Dynamics, which has also been criticized as being impractical and misleading. This paper reviews the pros and cons of large-scale urban modeling as well as the use and misuse of Systems Dynamics. The main thesis is that Systems Dynamics is a valid approach to simulation when correctly used and urban modeling is useful when limited to a sector of the urban system. Applying these constraints overcomes most of the shortcomings of large-scale modeling and produces a cost-effective tool for planning in urban systems. A model of the education sector of the urban system is proposed to demonstrate the application of small-scale modeling using Systems Dynamics that mitigates the historic shortcomings of the more comprehensive simulation attempts.
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Published In
Journal of the Urban Planning and Development Division
Volume 105 • Issue 2 • November 1979
Pages: 90 - 101
Copyright
© 1979 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Published in print: Nov 1979
Published online: Feb 12, 2021
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Authors
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Otto J. Helweg, M.ASCE
Assoc. Prof., Dept. of Civ. Engrg., Univ. of California, Davis, Calif.
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ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.