GIS-based simulation and visualization of urban landuse change

This chapter introduces the use of geographic information systems simulations and visualizations in urban landuse changes as a means of studying spatial pattern of crime incidents. Through literature reviews the chapter provides a survey of different simulation tools and techniques that have been used in landuse planning. It also provides an overview of the models available for examining landuse changes in the context of planning processes. It argues that three-dimensional simulations of urban landuse change scenarios encourage public participation in the decision making process. The author hopes that the chapter would be useful for criminologists unfamiliar with landuse scenario simulation models and techniques. Furthermore, the chapter suggests how the crime analysts could utilize the available landuse simulation models and tools in analyzing existing crime patterns or predicting future patterns in an urban setting.