GIS-based simulation as an exploratory analysis for space-time processes

The purpose of this paper is to argue for a novel use of geographical information system (GIS) as an exploratory device for understanding complex space-time processes. Conventionally, a GIS has been configured as a spatial database management system. Therefore, the capabilities of data input, storage, retrieval, manipulation and display have been well developed, whereas the analytical and dynamic processing and modelling capabilities are underdeveloped. The importance of integrating GIS with dynamic and analytical models has been widely recognised. Extending the use of GIS into spatial simulation represents a plausible research direction. On the other hand, the usefulness of conventional deductive model becomes limited when dealing with complex space-time processes. In essence, the inherent complexity calls for a simulation approach. The new nonlinear modelling paradigm, for example, cellular automata (CA), opened a way in which behaviourally-richer dynamics and more micro-spatial data could be incorporated into understanding space-time processes. It is argued therefore that GIS can be used as a platform - a controlled environment or laboratory - for exploring complex space-time processes. The discussion of GIS-based simulation in this paper is illustrated with a primitive simulation of the evolution of urban spatial structure. © Springer-Verlag 1999.