A Decade of Cellular Urban Modeling with SLEUTH: Unresolved Issues and Problems

SLEUTH is a mature cellular automaton urban model, now applied to over 100 different cities and regions. In this paper, the model’s context and history is introduced, the applications reviewed and some model improvements and sensitivity tests summarized. A section discusses how the model works and then the model’s limitations and assumptions are critically examined with the intent of revealing where further work could inform and improve SLEUTH and other urban models. A final example of a validation of a 1996 application is given. A conclusion urges future researchers to build upon lessons learned in the model’s refinement and testing.

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