Applied spatial modelling in the twenty-first century: the Wilson legacy. Looking back and looking forward. (2nd October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Birkin, Mark; Clarke, Martin
• Is Part Of: Interdisciplinary science reviews. Volume 44:Number 3/4(2019)
• Page Start: 286
• Page End: 300
• Publication Date: 2019-10-02
• Subjects: Big data -- commerce -- geographical information systems (GIS) -- planning -- policy -- spatial analysis -- spatial interaction models -- urban and regional modelling; Science -- Periodicals; Technology -- Periodicals; 505
• DOI: 10.1080/03080188.2019.1670432
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-0188

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In this paper, we review the contributions of Alan Wilson to geography and regional science over a period of more than 50 years. Beginning from theoretical insights, mathematical models and spatial analytics methods for cities, the research becomes somewhat more applied in the 1980s. The notable impact of this work in a business and commercial setting is in marked contrast to a relative lack of traction in a public policy environment. Reasons for this are explored. In more recent times, the advent of big data has started to generate transformational approaches to geographical problems. We argue that years of accumulated experience from the study of more abstract problems within less well-instrumented systems was a precursor to this. Finally, we argue that through working with a 'family' of modellers, the skills available to meet these challenges is significantly more extensive than could have been the case in the absence of such a programme. It is a legacy which is at once inspiring, durable and hugely significant.