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Entropy and its Application to Urban Systems.
Ben Purvis1,2, Yong Mao1,2, Darren Robinson1,3
1Laboratory for Urban Complexity and Sustainability, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
Entropy (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 3, 2020
Summary
Entropy, a concept from physics, has diverse urban applications. This study clarifies three definitions—thermodynamic, figurative, and information statistical—to improve urban systems analysis and avoid conflating interpretations.
Area of Science:
- Urban Systems Analysis
- Physics
- Mathematical Theory
Background:
- Entropy, originating in physics over 150 years ago, has found eclectic applications in urban contexts.
- Divergent approaches to urban entropy include entropy maximization (1960s) and cities as dissipative systems (1990s).
Purpose of the Study:
- To distinguish between thermodynamic, figurative, and information statistical definitions of entropy.
- To explore the application of these entropy definitions in urban systems literature.
- To disentangle the conflation of thermodynamic and figurative entropy interpretations in urban studies.
Main Methods:
- Review of relevant mathematical theory on entropy.
- Analysis of literature applying entropy concepts to urban systems.
- Comparative examination of different entropy definitions and their urban applications.
Main Results:
- Identified three distinct but interrelated definitions of entropy: thermodynamic, figurative, and information statistical.
- Demonstrated the varied application of these entropy types within urban systems research.
- Highlighted and clarified the common conflation between thermodynamic and figurative entropy interpretations.
Conclusions:
- A clear distinction among entropy definitions is crucial for accurate urban systems analysis.
- Future research can leverage these clarified definitions for more precise urban modeling.
- This work provides a foundation for future uses of entropy in analyzing urban dynamics.
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