Illustrating a new 'conceptual design pattern' for agent-based models of land use via five case studies—the MR POTATOHEAD framework

Abstract

This chapter presents a "conceptual design pattern" (CDP) that represents key elements of standard ABM/LUCC models in a comprehensive logical framework and includes basic functionality and data often present in ABM/LUCC models. The CDP illustrates the key building blocks for ABM/LUCC models, creating a template to assist scholars new to the field to understand existing models and design their own models. Second, the framework facilitates direct comparison of the structure and function of existing models. We present five separately developed models within this framework (SLUDGE, SOME, FEARLUS, LUCITA, and SYPRIA), demonstrating how multiple models can be represented and compared within the same meta-structure. The exercise highlights elements common to all models, demonstrates the unique contributions of each model, reveals commonalities between models, and highlights processes associated with land-use change that are not covered by our models. The CDP as presented here is very much a work in progress, and we welcome feedback from other ABM/LUCC developers, in the hopes of ultimately developing a shared model representation that will accelerate the development of not only ABM/LUCC, but also the theory of land-use change.