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Agent-Based Modeling in Coupled Human and Natural Systems (CHANS): Lessons from a Comparative Analysis

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  • Li An
  • Alex Zvoleff
  • Jianguo Liu
  • William Axinn

Abstract

Coupled human and natural systems (CHANS) are characterized by many complex features, including feedback loops, nonlinearity and thresholds, surprises, legacy effects and time lags, and resilience. Agent-based models (ABMs) are powerful for handling such complexity in CHANS models, facilitating in-depth understanding of CHANS dynamics. ABMs have been employed mostly on a site-specific basis, however. Little of this work provides a common infrastructure with which CHANS researchers (especially nonmodeling experts) can comprehend, compare, and envision CHANS processes and dynamics. We advance the science of CHANS by developing a CHANS-oriented protocol based on the overview, design concepts, and details (ODD) framework to help CHANS modelers and other researchers build, document, and compare CHANS-oriented ABMs. Using this approach, we show how complex demographic decisions, environmental processes, and human–environment interaction in CHANS can be represented and simulated in a relatively straightforward, standard way with ABMs by focusing on a comparison of two world-renowned CHANS: the Wolong Nature Reserve in China and the Chitwan National Park in Nepal. The four key lessons we learn from this cross-site comparison in relation to CHANS models include how to represent agents and the landscape, the need for standardized modules for CHANS ABMs, the impacts of scheduling on model outcomes, and precautions in interpreting “surprises” in CHANS model outcomes. We conclude with a CHANS protocol in the hope of advancing the science of CHANS.

Suggested Citation

  • Li An & Alex Zvoleff & Jianguo Liu & William Axinn, 2014. "Agent-Based Modeling in Coupled Human and Natural Systems (CHANS): Lessons from a Comparative Analysis," Annals of the American Association of Geographers, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 104(4), pages 723-745, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:raagxx:v:104:y:2014:i:4:p:723-745
    DOI: 10.1080/00045608.2014.910085
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    Cited by:

    1. Bindewald, Eckart, 2017. "A survey suggests individual priorities are virtually unique: Implications for group dynamics, goal achievement and ecology," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 362(C), pages 69-79.
    2. Zhang, Honghui & Zeng, Yongnian & Jin, Xiaobin & Shu, Bangrong & Zhou, Yinkang & Yang, Xuhong, 2016. "Simulating multi-objective land use optimization allocation using Multi-agent system—A case study in Changsha, China," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 320(C), pages 334-347.
    3. Yuan, Shiwei & Li, Xin & Du, Erhu, 2021. "Effects of farmers’ behavioral characteristics on crop choices and responses to water management policies," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 247(C).
    4. Jingjie Liu & Min Xia, 2023. "Influencing Factors Analysis and Optimization of Land Use Allocation: Combining MAS with MOPSO Procedure," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-17, January.
    5. Chen, Yufeng & Xu, Liyan & Zhang, Xiao & Wang, Zilin & Li, Hailong & Yang, Yansheng & You, Hong & Li, Dihua, 2023. "Socio-econ-ecosystem multipurpose simulator (SEEMS): An easy-to-apply agent-based model for simulating small-scale coupled human and nature systems in biological conservation hotspots," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 476(C).
    6. Guillem, E.E. & Murray-Rust, D. & Robinson, D.T. & Barnes, A. & Rounsevell, M.D.A., 2015. "Modelling farmer decision-making to anticipate tradeoffs between provisioning ecosystem services and biodiversity," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 137(C), pages 12-23.
    7. Claudia Parra Paitan & Peter H. Verburg, 2019. "Methods to Assess the Impacts and Indirect Land Use Change Caused by Telecoupled Agricultural Supply Chains: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-24, February.
    8. Thomas Elliot & Javier Babí Almenar & Samuel Niza & Vânia Proença & Benedetto Rugani, 2019. "Pathways to Modelling Ecosystem Services within an Urban Metabolism Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-22, May.
    9. An, Li & Grimm, Volker & Sullivan, Abigail & Turner II, B.L. & Malleson, Nicolas & Heppenstall, Alison & Vincenot, Christian & Robinson, Derek & Ye, Xinyue & Liu, Jianguo & Lindkvist, Emilie & Tang, W, 2021. "Challenges, tasks, and opportunities in modeling agent-based complex systems," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 457(C).

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