Its been a long time in the making but now "Agent-Based Modelling and Geographical Information Systems: A Practical Primer" has been published by Sage. We (Nicolas Malleson, Ed Manley, Alison Heppenstall and myself) approached this book from two standpoints. First, to provide a synthesis of the underpinning ideas, techniques and frameworks for integrating agent-based modelling and geographical information systems (GIS). Second, building on our experiences of teaching at various levels, to provide a practical set of information for the development of agent-based models for geographical systems.
From these two standpoints we have developed a book that provides a practical primer in the integration of agent-based modelling and geographical information systems. In outlining the subject we cover many examples of geographical
phenomena, from linking the individual movements of pedestrians to aggregate patterns of urban growth, to the integration of social networks into modelling mobility.
Through this text, we hope the reader will understand how the field has developed, how agent-based models are different from other modelling approaches, and the future challenges we see lying ahead. In the book we use sample code and data (all of which can be found on the accompanying website https://www.abmgis.org/) we provide the reader with many of the basic building blocks for constructing agent-based models linked to geographical information systems. Throughout the book we use the software package NetLogo, as it provides an easy route to learn and build agent-based models (although in the appendix we provide links to other models created in other platforms).
Below you can read some endorsements about the book, see the book outline (along with links to the supporting material or just visit https://www.abmgis.org/). We hope you enjoy it.
Through this text, we hope the reader will understand how the field has developed, how agent-based models are different from other modelling approaches, and the future challenges we see lying ahead. In the book we use sample code and data (all of which can be found on the accompanying website https://www.abmgis.org/) we provide the reader with many of the basic building blocks for constructing agent-based models linked to geographical information systems. Throughout the book we use the software package NetLogo, as it provides an easy route to learn and build agent-based models (although in the appendix we provide links to other models created in other platforms).
Below you can read some endorsements about the book, see the book outline (along with links to the supporting material or just visit https://www.abmgis.org/). We hope you enjoy it.
Endorsements
“A highly original textbook linking complex systems and agent-based modeling with GIS using theoretical and methodological perspectives, software implementations, and real-world applications. A much-needed book for students at all levels to learn about geosimulation and modelling with geographic automata.”
“A great introduction for all those interested in learning about agent-based simulation where physical space is an important factor. Importantly this integrates GIS and other common geographic approaches with simulation approaches. Both beginners and more advanced researchers will find a lot of useful information here.”
“This textbook is a must-have for everybody who wants to learn or know about agent-based models integrated with geographic information systems. It combines in-depth introductions to basic concepts with hands-on advice on technical detail and covers all relevant aspects.”
“The textbook shows an interesting and innovative way of approaching the themes of scientific research in architecture courses. On the one hand, it introduces the theme of agents and behaviour modelling, on the other, it allows consistent use of GIS in an academic environment, with immediacy and effectiveness.”
Marco Spada, School of Arts and Humanities, University of Suffolk
Book Outline
The overarching aim of this chapter is to give the reader a contextual background and general overview of the major developments in geographical modelling for the simulation of the individual. The reader is introduced to a discussion around the purpose of modelling as well how complexity theory has influenced the way that we view (and simulate) geographical systems. We end the chapter by discussing the benefits of bringing together agent-based modelling and GIS.
Chapter 2:Introduction to Agent-based Modelling
Chapter 3 - Designing and Developing an Agent-based Model
Chapter 4 - Building Agent-Based Models with NetLogo
Chapter 5 - Fundamentals of Geographical Information Systems
Chapter 6 - Integrating Agent-Based Modelling and GIS Chapter 2:Introduction to Agent-based Modelling
This
chapter we introduce the key concepts behind agent-based modelling.
What is an agent, and what are rules? These are discussed along with a
consideration of the main advantages and disadvantages for simulating
spatial systems. A range of established applications are presented to
give a flavor of how agent-based models can be successfully applied. The
overarching aim of this chapter is to give the reader an understanding
of what an agent-based model is. This knowledge will be built upon in
subsequent chapters.
Chapter 3 - Designing and Developing an Agent-based Model
What
are the questions that social scientists and geographers need to
consider when designing and building an agent-based model? What design
frameworks and software toolkits are available to use? What are their
relative pros and cons? What methods are available for documenting
design concepts and why are they useful to modellers? This chapter will
introduce the core concepts and frameworks that can be used to plan,
implement and disseminate geographical agent-based models.
Chapter 4 - Building Agent-Based Models with NetLogo
This
chapter provides an overview of the programming language and concepts
that are used within NetLogo. NetLogo basics, such as how to create a
simple environment, commands and procedures, are presented with step by
step instructions for creating a simple model. Following this basic
model, more advanced features are introduced. The overall aim of this
chapter is to provide an understanding of the main components that make a
NetLogo program. Subsequent chapters build upon the basics presented
here.
Chapter 5 - Fundamentals of Geographical Information Systems
This
chapter presents the main concepts and terminology that students are
required to understand geographical information systems. The main data
types are presented, along with a discussion of relevant issues such as
accuracy and precision. A brief overview of the development of GIS is
given along with a flavor of the main software available. Using QGIS, we
demonstrate how to prepare and manipulate some example GIS data. Where
appropriate, we highlight the main issues that need to be considered
when using a GIS and agent-based modelling.
Building on previous chapters outlining the fundamentals of GIS and agent-based modelling, what are the benefits to linking these approaches? How is this undertaken? This chapter will explain loose and tight coupling, critiquing the relative advantages and disadvantages of both. We present an overview of open source toolkits that can be used for the creation of geographically explicit agent-based models, before providing a critical look at where and how GIS and ABM should be combined, offering practical advice on best practice.
Chapter 7 - Modelling Human Behavior
This chapter explores the most common approaches by which researchers incorporate human behavior into agent-based models. We explain why it can be necessary to model human behavior and the main considerations that the researcher needs to be aware of when developing an agent-based model. From this, we present an overview of the two main broad approaches, mathematical and conceptual cognitive models when it comes to modelling human behavior in agent-based models. We supplement this discussion with two case-studies that provide examples of how these approaches can be implemented, both examples have the model code available that can be downloaded and experimented with. The chapter finishes with a discussion of some of the thorny issues that researchers need to be aware of when attempting to simulate behavior within agent-based models.
Chapter 8 - Networks
Networks play a critical role in our lives in terms of physical networks we use to navigate upon, our social networks and more recently how we communicate via cyber networks (e.g. social media). This chapter provides a brief introduction to such networks and shows how they can be integrated into agent-based models. Importantly, a model is also introduced that demonstrates how to navigate agents along a physical road network (this is a common requirement for spatially-explicit agent-based models).
Chapter 9 - Spatial Statistics
This chapter presents a range of statistics and algorithms that can be used to compare two spatial data sets. These are important for modelling because, at some point, it will be necessary to compare a model outcome to some real-world data in order to assess how reliable the model is. This chapter examines the statistics themselves, before Chapter 10 elaborates on how to evaluate the success of a model more broadly, part of which includes making use of the methods discussed here.
Chapter 10 - Evaluating Models: Verification, Calibration, Validation
Model evaluation is one of the central challenges associated with agent-based models. A key question that all modellers face is “how well does this model simulate the phenomenon of interest?”. While there are no universally accepted methods for evaluating agent-based models, researchers often adopt the same three stage process of verification, calibration and validation. This chapter presents an overview of the methods that are commonly used within each of these stages. The overarching aim of this chapter is to provide the reader with the knowledge to design their own approach to evaluating agent-based models.
Chapter 11 - Alternative Modelling Approaches
Agent-based modelling is one of the most popular approaches used in social and spatial simulation. However, there are several other alternative approaches that are available to the researcher including Cellular Automata (CA), Microsimulation, Discreet Event Simulation (DES), System Dynamics (SD) and Spatial Interaction models. This chapter presents an overview of these other approaches giving simple examples on how they can be used and summarizing the main differences between them. To compare these models, they are applied to the same issue, the spread of a disease using a Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (SIR) epidemic model. This shows that while the same general patterns emerge, the reasons for this are very different.
Chapter 12 - Summary and Outlook
This chapter reflects on the current state of the art of agent-based models and factors that may shape the future of this discipline. Specifically we discuss the key challenges for developing robust agent-based models of geographical systems as well as potential solutions. We argue that we need to make progress on these challenges if these models are to be used to offer insight into key societal challenges, for example climate change, urban growth and migration.
Appendix A - A Gallery of Applications
While the entirety of this book gives readers a selection of models (mainly in NetLogo) with respect to agent-based modelling more generally and linking such models to real world geographical information. We thought it would be useful for readers to have exposure to agent-based models developed not only with NetLogo but also other toolkits. In this appendix we provide a gallery of applications from a broad section of fields that have been published in the literature or act as exemplars for getting started with agent-based modelling. The criteria for inclusion here is that the source code and data of the model is available and it is based on real world geographical information. In each case we provide a screen shot of the graphical user interface of the model, a short description of the model, its full citation where possible and where the model (and data) can be downloaded from. Our hope is that the models provide readers with exposure to the possibilities of agent-based models and its potential for analyzing a wide array of geographical systems and also share their own models and data.
Reviews
Zhuge (2019): “Compared with other books on ABM or spatial modelling, this one tends to have much more detailed introductions to ways of developing a spatially explicit Agent-based Model from scratch, particularly using popular open-source software packages for ABM and GIS. Furthermore, readers can also benefit from the interesting and informative discussions on recent challenges and opportunities, as well as useful comparisons between different tools, theories and frameworks for spatial ABM.”
Zhuge, C. (2019), 'Research Resource Review', Progress in Physical Geography: Earth and Environment, 43(3): 601-603.
Kasmire (2020): “I fully expect to recommend individual chapters to students when they come to me with detailed questions, when they need a refresher on some of the concepts, or when they show specific knowledge gaps that need to be filled in.”
Kasmire, J. (2020), 'Book Review', Environment and Planning B, 47(7): 1306-1308.
Online Resources
Accompanying resources including PowerPoints, tutorials, YouTube movies and models are available at: https://www.abmgis.org/
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