SPATIAL AGENT-BASED MODELING WORKSHOP

Michael Lonneman attended a workshop on spatial agent-based modeling that was organized by the National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC). Agent-based models simulate how heterogeneous agents interact with each other and the environment, adapt to changing conditions, ultimately producing emergent outcomes and patterns. The 5-day intensive workshop was designed to introduce participants to the theory, creation, and evaluation of spatially explicit agent-based models, particularly those focused on exploring the dynamics and interconnections between social and ecological systems. Michael is building on the skills and knowledge learned at the workshop to build an agent-based model that explores how the interaction between landowners and laborers to specify the terms of agricultural production influences land use and environmental change.  

Michael hard at work designing the model.