Geographic modelling
[GEO2130]
[30h + 30h] 5 credits
Teacher(s): Eric Deleersnijder, Sophie Vanwambeke
Language: English
Level: Second
Aims
-spatio-temporal analysis
-dynamic approaches that use differential equations
-landscape indices and fractals
The competences to be acquired during the course include:
-complex spatial analyses
-use of softwares for modelling dynamic systems
-mathematical methods in geography
Main themes
Introduction
State variables, parameters
Initial conditions, boundary conditions, etc
Linear ordinary differential problems
General solutions
Equilibrium points (stability, instability, oscillations)
Conservation/dissipation of energy (in a broad sense)
Example (Mururoa Lagoon)
Non-linear ordinary differential problems
Equilibrium points (stability, instability, oscillations)
Conservation/dissipation of energy (in a broad sense)
Qualitative notions of bifurcation
Qualitative notions on chaos and predictability
Examples (logistic model, prey-predator model, etc.)
Space- and time-dependent models
Partial differential problems
Integral properties
Box-model approximations
Example (Exxon Valdez oil spill, Alaska)
Parameter optimisation, validation and sensitivity analysis
Spatial modelling
Self-organisation in systems
Cellular automata
Agent-based models
Examples are taken in physical geography, natural resource management and use, spatial epidemiology, history of land use
Modelling techniques
UML as an aid to conceptual modelling
Model evaluation: sensitivity, uncertainty, validation
Measuring landscape structure
Content and teaching methods
Introduction
State variables, parameters
Initial conditions, boundary conditions, etc
Linear ordinary differential problems
General solutions
Equilibrium points (stability, instability, oscillations)
Conservation/dissipation of energy (in a broad sense)
Example (Mururoa Lagoon)
Non-linear ordinary differential problems
Equilibrium points (stability, instability, oscillations)
Conservation/dissipation of energy (in a broad sense)
Qualitative notions of bifurcation
Qualitative notions on chaos and predictability
Examples (logistic model, prey-predator model, etc.)
Space- and time-dependent models
Partial differential problems
Integral properties
Box-model approximations
Example (Exxon Valdez oil spill, Alaska)
Parameter optimisation, validation and sensitivity analysis
Systems analysis in Geography
Self-organisation in human systems
Dynamic of urban centres
Intra-urban model
Case study : modelling the evolution of the United States (1950-1970)
Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)
GEO1342 - Geographical Information Systems
GEO1341 - Statistical modelling
Mathematics