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Cities as complex systems-Collection overview
Diego Rybski1,2,3, Marta C González4
1Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research - PIK, Member of Leibniz Association, Potsdam, Germany.
Plos One
|February 25, 2022
Summary
This collection explores cities as complex systems, examining urban scaling, mobility, and spatial analysis. It highlights how information technology and temporal dynamics shape urban environments.
Area of Science:
- Urban Studies
- Complexity Science
- Spatial Analysis
Background:
- Cities are increasingly viewed through the lens of complex systems.
- Contemporary research explores various facets of urban dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a curated selection of recent research on cities as complex systems.
- To introduce and discuss key themes including urban scaling, mobility, and spatial analysis.
Main Methods:
- Thematic review of submitted papers (April-October 2020).
- Discussion of example papers on urban scaling, mobility, flows, spatial analysis, IT, and temporal aspects.
Main Results:
- Identified key research areas: urban scaling, urban mobility, flows in cities, spatial analysis, information technology and cities, and cities in time.
- Provided an introduction and further insights into urban scaling.
Conclusions:
- Cities exhibit characteristics of complex systems requiring interdisciplinary approaches.
- Further research is needed to understand the intricate dynamics of urban environments.
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