Application of the Forrester Model to Harris County, Texas

The generalized Urban Dynamics model of Forrester was applied to Harris County, Tex. The 40 variables changed were those considered to be "region dependent." The model was initialized with data froni the year 1950. Statistical data for 1960 and 1970 were used to check the validity of the model. The statistical data used were obtained from the 1950, 1960, and 1970 censuses and from various county and city agencies. The results revealed that the model could be used as a planning tool for a specific region, as the final model appeared closely tuned to the county's major statistical variables. The lack of variables in the model which could be directly correlated with statistical data was thought to be the reason for deviations in the subvariables. Sensitivity of the model to a large number of variables was determined.