Network based multi agent simulation analysis - Part 1: Model development

Abstract

This study begins with a hypothesis that pedestrian movement can be considered as an outcome of two distinct components - (1) the configuration of street network and (2) the location of specific attractions (urban facilities - shops, offices, pubic buildings etc.) within a network. The objective of this research is to investigate the relationship between geometrical factors of street network and socio-economic process between urban attractors and pedestrians. With this purpose, a new analytical model will be developed, whereby two well-known analytical methods of spatial analysis in architectural or urban field is combined -network analysis and multi agent system. Mainly centrality measures of network analysis will be compared to the volume of pedestrian flow from the agent simulation model. This comparison will generate a picture that demonstrates the existence of two types of factors in the performance of urban spaces. - 1) from the street network which is geometrical, static, predictable, 2) from the process which is relatively probabilistic, complex and unpredictable. This paper is the 1st step of continuous research, to determine the necessary concept through critical review of the two methods, establish an outline of the new model, and simulation of a small virtual street network.