Modeling Land Use Change: Categorizing Concepts and Models and Explaining Research Areas

Models of simulation and optimization of land use change are tools to understand the driving factors and consequences of land use change and to predict and explain the changes in land use over time and space. These models with scenario analysis tools can help policy makers and land use planners. Many types of land use models and applications already exist that each has a different perspective to look at the issue. Reviewing the land use change concepts and classifying the relevant models in terms of methodology is the first step in understanding the concepts and applying these models in real-world applications. In addition, having a comprehensive insight to the models and methods, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of each, can make a significant contribution to researchers to develop new generation of models that are more integrated and comprehensive. So in this paper, we have discussed the field of land use change in three parts: core concepts, core principles, and modeling methods. First, the conceptual aspects that distinguish among studies in the field of land use change modeling will be described and then, core principles based on them land use changes occur are described. In the rest of the paper, the flow of these concepts and principles in different models and a complete classification of the existing models in terms of methodology have been explained. Based on this classification and review, some of the research priorities in land use modeling are presented and suggestions for future development of these models have been represented. The need for more attention to integrity and development of models with comprehensive goals as well as development of new and efficient solution methods are the most important of research area in this field.