General Spatial Pattern and Meta-Pattern Model for Problems That Need Analytical Approach in Complex Spatial Systems

Abstract

Spatial Pattern (SP) Description, Identification, and Application Methodology (SPDIAM) was developed for describing and detecting spatial economic, social, and environmental phenomena and providing basic information technology (IT) artefacts that can be used for the spatial analysis development using GIS technologies. SPDIAM allows urban planning and design practitioners to describe SP in a computerized manner, identify SP automatically, and apply them in the spatial planning and design domain. In this article, we explain the general SP and spatial meta-pattern model, used in SPDIAM, that is based on the theory of Complex Spatial System (CSS), spatial configuration, and spatial capital concepts and is presented using UML diagrams as standard used for visualization of project models from structure and behavior points of views. The practical experiment of describing and identifying 6 basic spatial meta-pattern values is conducted using the new algorithm that combines Space Syntax method, Visibility Graph Analysis (VGA), and VGA measures to create a computer model of space and to quantify its configuration, which can then be used to handle geographic and geometric data associated with attribute information, to perform spatial, mathematical, and statistical calculations and to visualize SP. The results of the experiment show that the model and the algorithm are appropriate for spatial meta-patterns identification, and the best results can be achieved using VGA measure Isovist Compactness. In the future, general SP and the spatial meta-pattern model can be used to describe and identify complex SP and to solve problems in CSS with the help of the spatial meta-pattern values described in this article.

SPDIAM: Methodology for Describing and Solving Spatial Problems in Territorial Planning

“…SPDIAM was described in detail in [6,11], thus in this section we present the main principles to understand how SPDIAM works to make it possible to apply it in the territorial planning cycle as described in further Section 3.4. SPDIAM consists of the concepts that are presented in Figure 2 based on which SPDIAM static and dynamic views are created.…”

“…Using a computer simulation tool has value only if it is possible to have a methodology to address complex variables simultaneously and to make decision-making processes more transparent with the clear advantages and disadvantages that are associated with a project [2]. A complex spatial system (CSS) defines a complex urban system or spatial entity and is described by many variables, with high levels of interdependence between the elements, governed by nonlinear processes, and having a significant spatial structure [5,6]. A spatial pattern (SP) may be regarded as a complex physical entity (such as a road) or as any kind of structure, spatial distribution, or a recurring feature (such as a street pattern) that is represented as lines, areas, or bodies in a 2D or 3D map [7,8].…”

“…SP description, identification, and application methodology (SPDIAM) [11] was developed for describing and detecting such spatial economic, social, and environmental phenomena and providing basic information technology (IT) artefacts that can be used for the development of the spatial structure (such as network or grid) analysis tools in Geographic Information System (GIS) [6]. SPDIAM allows urban planning and design (UPD) practitioners to describe SP in a computerized manner, identify SP automatically and apply them in the spatial planning and design domain.…”

“…SPDIAM allows urban planning and design (UPD) practitioners to describe SP in a computerized manner, identify SP automatically and apply them in the spatial planning and design domain. An SPDIAM data model [6,11] is based on the theory of CSS, spatial configuration and spatial capital concepts, space syntax method, and visibility graph analysis (VGA) [12]. It creates a computer model of space and quantifies its configuration which can be used to handle geographic and geometric data that are associated with attribute information, to perform spatial, mathematical, and statistical calculations.…”

“…A complex spatial system (CSS) defines a complex urban system or spatial entity and is described by many variables, with high levels of interdependence between the elements, governed by nonlinear processes, and having a significant spatial structure [5,6]. A spatial pattern (SP) may be regarded as a complex physical entity (such as a road) or as any kind of structure, spatial distribution, or a recurring feature (such as a street pattern) that is represented as lines, areas, or bodies in a 2D or 3D map [7,8].…”