Modelling the driving forces of Sydneys urban development (1971-1996) in a cellular environment

This paper demonstrates a flexible implementation of rules to control the simulation of urban development of Sydney from 1971 to 1996 using a cellular automata model. Five key factors, including the self propensity for development and neighbourhood support, slope constraint, transportation support, terrain and coastal proximity attractions and urban planning support are introduced into the model in a spatially explicit format, which generated a realistic estimation of the extent and timing of Sydneys urban development. With the flexibility of rule implementation within the model, more rules can be added as new If-Then statements to fine-tune the model, provided that a good understanding of the rule is maintained and accurate data are collected.