A Practice of Cumulative CA Model for Urban Spatial Development Simulations Using Vector Datasets

Cellular automata (CA) has been proven to be an effective method in simulating urban spatial development. The paper describes the concept model of a cumulative CA model. By putting the model into practice using ArcGIS as basic spatial data processing platform, a prototype system is built. The system is designed to process vector datasets as its data sources. Several cumulative values are calculated from these vector source datasets for each cell to represent the cell's certain properties. And cumulative affection values used to determine the transition of states between stages are calculated for each cell in every stage of computing. By applying the system into practice, different parameters which represent different approaches of urban planning can be put into simulations. The simulated urban development processes and final scenarios can help people to understand the specific urban area better, as well as help decision makers make and establish urban development policies more effectively.