Approaches to Geo-mathematical Modelling

This book offers a comprehensive toolkit for understanding complex geographical systems through mathematical modeling, emphasizing nonlinearities and emergent behavior.

In Approaches to Geo-mathematical Modelling, Sir Alan Wilson explores the intricate relationship between geographical systems and mathematical models. The book delves into how geographical systems are characterized by their locations, the activities occurring at those locations, and the interactions that take place between them. This multifaceted approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of these systems, which can be examined at various scales, from individual entities to entire countries. The author emphasizes that our grasp of these complex systems is often incomplete and is frequently represented through theories and associated mathematical models.

The text provides a robust toolkit of mathematical and computer models that represent elements of the global system, addressing critical topics such as trade, migration, security, and development aid. This toolkit is not limited to global applications but extends to the modeling of complex systems at finer scales. The book highlights the significance of nonlinearities, path dependence, and phase changes, which contribute to the emergence of new structures within these systems. By showcasing a diverse range of models, including account-based models, agent-based models, and network models, the author illustrates the dynamic nature of these interactions and their implications for understanding emergent behavior.

Approaches to Geo-mathematical Modelling serves as an essential resource for practitioners and researchers in applied mathematics, geography, and economics. It is also suitable for postgraduate students as a foundational text for modeling courses, bridging the gap between theory and practical application in various interdisciplinary fields.