Tightly Coupling Input Output Economics with Spatio-Temporal Land Use in a Dynamic Planning Support System Framework

Planning support systems (PSSs) should generally be designed to promote the participation of stakeholders in planning and design processes through the delivery of useful, localized information, an ability to collect feedback, and an ability to model and test various ‘what-if’ scenarios. This paper focuses on such a PSS tool. The tool integrates the Land-use Evolution and Assessment Model (LEAM) with a Regional Economic Input-Output Model (REIM) in a tightly coupled computational process made accessible to stakeholders through a web-based PSS. The integrated tool allows for users to easily navigate the models and test land use and economic scenarios without expert assistance. It also keeps simulations updated with dynamic inputs and engages users in PSS development and application through responsive feedback to enhance plan-making abilities. In this paper, we demonstrate an application of the LEAM-REIM PSS in Sangamon County, Illinois. The application demonstrates an ability to provide more efficacious and detailed land use estimations through the connection of economic and land-use models, allowing users to easily engage with, navigate, and respond to scenario tests. We discuss the PSS tool, model integration approach, and detailed application to assess its usefulness in urban planning and design. We also propose some opportunities for further research.