Integrated urban system modelling: methodology and case study using multi-agent systems

Challenges facing urban planners and governments continue to mount as populations in urban areas increase, pressure on the world's resources reaches critical levels and degradation of ecosystems around the world becomes increasingly apparent. The movement towards sustainable development has been met with enthusiasm by decision-makers, although exactly how to achieve this target, or even measure progress towards it, is not entirely evident. This paper explores how complex urban systems can be modelled holistically using a multi-agent based framework, and their sustainability assessed using a systems approach.