An Introduction to the Literature on Large-Scale Urban Models

Abstract

This review essay considers four dimensions of the voluminous and esoteric literature on large-scale urban models. The literature on the first two dimensions, underlying theory and model specification, indicates that the current generation of models rests on much firmer foundations than did the models of twenty years ago. The third dimension, educational texts, now includes several excellent texts at the introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels. Considerable success has also been made in the final, most difficult and ultimately most important area, that of practical experience, where a number of operational urban models are now available. Nevertheless, these models—and much of the underlying literature—continue to be inaccessible to most planners.