LAND USE, ENERGY FLOW AND POLICY MAKING IN SOCIETY

A methodology is provided for improving computer aids to modeling and to simulation, and the modeling methodology is applied to the simulation of the use of land and energy in society. The basic problems associated with the use of land and energy are discussed, and examples are given of the calculations used for the justification of technical systems. The special features which distinguish the modeling methodology described here are: the nonlinear mathematical representation of cause and effect; the representation of "dynamic" (or transient) interactions and adjustments between socio-economic variables; and the tuning of models by data based parameter identification. A model (Speculator) of the use of land and energy at the national level is described. Details are given of the underlying cause and effect relations, the input variable scenarios and the base case simulation. Several simulation experiments were performed. A regional model of the Sacramento area is described as an example of a hierarchy of simulation models.

• Corporate Authors:

  University of California, Davis

  Environmental Systems Group, Institute of Ecology
  Davis, CA  United States 
• Authors:
  • Young, J W
  • Mitchiner, J L
  • AYERS, C
  • Hunter, Y L
  • Pearce, M A
  • Flory, J E
  • Hunter, P J
  • Mosman, N J
• Publication Date: 1975-9

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 42 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Calculation; Decision making; Energy; Experiments; Information processing; Land use; Nonlinear programming; Policy; Regional planning; Simulation; Socioeconomic factors
• Uncontrolled Terms: Causes; Computation; Input; Interaction
• Subject Areas: Economics; Energy; Highways; Policy; Safety and Human Factors; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00128581
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Final Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: NSF GI-27
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 10 1976 12:00AM