A new framework for very large-scale urban modelling

The generation of ever-bigger data sets pertaining to the distribution activities in cities is paralleled by massive increases computer power and memory that are enabling very large-scale urban models be constructed. Here we present an effort extend traditional land use–transport interaction (LUTI) extensive spatial systems so they able track increasingly wide repercussions on location population, employment related distributions interactions. prototype model framework propose implement called QUANT available anywhere, at any time, place, open user. It characterised as a set web-based services within which simulation, visualisation scenario configured. We begin presenting core built around journey work, this deal with many sectors. detail computational environment, focus size problem application 8436 zone system comprising England, Scotland Wales generating matrices 71 million cells. system, showing how visualise interactions vector fields accessibility indicators. briefly demonstrate implementation outline can generate impact changes travel costs enable transport modes compete for travellers. conclude indicating new consists running hundreds ‘what if?’ scenarios let user immediately evaluate their impacts then evolve better ones.