Intensified research efforts to enhance land use modelling and analysis
Such themes provided impetus for the EU-funded project LUMAN (Land use modelling and analysis network). Overall, the aims were to coordinate and consolidate research among partner organisations regarding land use modelling and analysis. It supported exchanges among early-stage and experienced researchers. Project partners established significant relationships among the partners. The resulting scientific exchange provided valuable confirmation of research and feedback. The exchange programme covered various research domains. These include current and emerging research in land use characterisation and modelling, agent-based modelling, integrated modelling frameworks and approaches and their application to policy, and green infrastructure and sustainable urban and building design. Scientific exchange also compared and contrasted land use policy and planning between Ireland and New Zealand. Researchers discussed how to engage with policymaking interests and planning, and effectively transfer and embed new tools and scientific applications for policy and planning support. Research meetings held in Dublin led to several conclusions. Research practice and experience shows that policymakers have budgets at their disposal for tackling specific issues and seek simplified solutions. Also, pressing policy needs and requirements are detrimental to research that requires longer periods of time to deliver impactful results. Also resulting from relationship building, the LUMAN team jointly convened a workshop within a conference in 2012 that helped to present and discuss various land use analysis and modelling projects, practices and methods. The collaboration yielded ideas for further joint research and exploration of funding opportunities. By coordinating and consolidating research efforts, LUMAN will help regional government efforts such as resource management and spatial planning apply land use modelling for practical benefit.
Keywords
Land use, land use modelling, landscape, land use policy, land use analysis