How do you learn and update your skills and knowledge on cellular automata and agent-based modeling for GIS?

1 Basics and concepts

Before you dive into the technical aspects of CA and ABM, you need to understand the basic concepts and principles behind them. You can start by reading some introductory books or articles that explain the history, theory, and examples of CA and ABM in different disciplines. Some of the classic references are Wolfram's A New Kind of Science, Epstein and Axtell's Growing Artificial Societies, and Batty's Cities and Complexity. You can also watch some online lectures or tutorials that demonstrate the main features and applications of CA and ABM, such as those offered by the Santa Fe Institute, the GeoSim Lab, or the ABM Course.

2 Software and tools

To create and run your own CA and ABM, you need to use some software and tools that can handle spatial data and modeling. There are many options available, depending on your preference and level of expertise. Some of the popular ones are NetLogo, GAMA, Repast, MASON, ArcGIS, QGIS, and R. You can find tutorials, manuals, and examples for each of these tools on their official websites or online communities. You can also compare and contrast the pros and cons of different tools by reading some reviews or articles, such as those by Crooks and Heppenstall, or by O'Sullivan and Perry.

3 Methods and techniques

Once you have chosen your software and tools, you need to learn how to use them effectively and efficiently. You need to master the methods and techniques for designing, implementing, calibrating, validating, analyzing, and visualizing your CA and ABM. You can learn from some textbooks or guides that cover the best practices and standards for CA and ABM, such as those by Gilbert and Troitzsch, Railsback and Grimm, or Heppenstall et al. You can also follow some online courses or workshops that teach you the practical skills and steps for creating your own CA and ABM, such as those by the Complex Systems Summer School, the Spatial Simulation Lab, or the ABM Training.

4 Examples and applications

To inspire and inform your own CA and ABM, you need to look at some examples and applications from different domains and contexts. You can browse some online repositories or databases that collect and showcase CA and ABM projects, such as the NetLogo Modeling Commons, the OpenABM, or the CoMSES Net. You can also read some journals or publications that feature CA and ABM research, such as the Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, the International Journal of Geographical Information Science, or the Computers, Environment and Urban Systems. You can also join some forums or networks that connect CA and ABM researchers and practitioners, such as the Agent-Based Modelling Mailing List, the GIS and Agent-Based Modelling Group, or the Agent-Based Social Simulation Society.

5 Trends and innovations

To keep up with the latest developments and challenges in CA and ABM, you need to follow some trends and innovations that shape the field. You can attend some conferences or events that present and discuss the current and future issues and opportunities for CA and ABM, such as the International Conference on Cellular Automata for Research and Industry, the International Conference on Social Computing, Behavioral-Cultural Modeling and Prediction and Behavior Representation in Modeling and Simulation, or the Conference on Complex Systems. You can also explore some blogs or podcasts that share the insights and experiences of CA and ABM experts and enthusiasts, such as the Complexity Explorer Blog, the Agent-Based Modelling Podcast, or the Simulating Complexity Blog.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?