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Conclusions and Future Research Directions

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Spatial Microsimulation: A Reference Guide for Users

Part of the book series: Understanding Population Trends and Processes ((UPTA,volume 6))

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to review progress in spatial microsimulation as portrayed through the chapters in this book. We structure this review around four key themes which resonate throughout the book. First is the actual task of building a spatial microsimulation model – the nuts and bolts of model construction in terms of data sets required and how spatial microsimulation can add considerable value to the social sciences through data merger/integration. Second, we review progress made in terms of techniques for the creation of new spatial microdata. Third, we discuss the new contributions relating to model calibration and validation. It is these areas which have possibly developed most rapidly. Finally, we take stock of the breadth of applications given in the book in relation to both static and dynamic models. In addition to reviewing progress in these areas, we also speculate on the future research agenda.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    The authors would like to thank and acknowledge the NATSEM staff who contributed to the early days of spatial microsimulation at NATSEM, including Otto Hellwig, Anthony King, Tony Melhuish, Susan Day and Elizabeth Taylor.

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Acknowledgements

This chapter describes research that has been undertaken during the past 13 years at NATSEM, with funding assistance from a series of grants from the Australian Research Council and a significant number of government departments. We would like to acknowledge and thank the ARC (LP0349152, LP775396, LP0349126, DP664429) and our research partners: the NSW Department of Community Services; the Australian Bureau of Statistics; the ACT Chief Minister’s Department; the Queensland Department of Premier and Cabinet; Queensland Treasury; the Victorian Departments of Education and Early Childhood and Planning and Community Development; the Australian Department of Health and Ageing; the NSW Department of Disability, Ageing and Home Care; the NSW Premier’s Department and the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment. The views expressed in this chapter are those of the authors and cannot be interpreted as construing endorsement by any of the above agencies of any of the research methods or findings. We would also like to thank our fellow chief investigators on these grants and our international partner investigator, Dr. Paul Williamson. Thanks also to Yogi Vidyattama for assistance with the figure.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Geography, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK

    Graham Clarke

  2. NATSEM, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia

    Ann Harding

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  1. Graham Clarke
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Correspondence to Graham Clarke .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , University of Canberra, NATSEM, University Drive South, Canberra, 2601, Aust Capital Terr, Australia

    Robert Tanton

  2. , Centre for Sports Medicine, University of Nottingham, C Floor, West Block Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, United Kingdom

    Kimberley Edwards

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Clarke, G., Harding, A. (2012). Conclusions and Future Research Directions. In: Tanton, R., Edwards, K. (eds) Spatial Microsimulation: A Reference Guide for Users. Understanding Population Trends and Processes, vol 6. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4623-7_16

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