The QMRG and GIScRG are running two joint sessions at the annual RGS-IBG
conference this year - 26-28 August 2009 in Manchester (www.rgs.org/AC2009).
This is a call for papers - please note the relative deadlines and contacts
at the end of each session description. Additionally, for new researchers
there is a joint QMRG and PGF session.
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New Urban Geography: Evolving Area Classification for Socio-Spatial
Generalisation (QMRG & GIScRG)
Techniques of socio-spatial generalisation have a long history in urban
geography from early models using ecological principles, through factorial
ecology to the contemporary data mining techniques of geomarketing. The
various methodological traditions giving rise to these models of urban areas
can broadly be described as examples of area classification. Area
classification attempts to ascribe discrete labels to the prevailing
‘average’ characteristics of their constituent populations. Segmentation of
geographic areas into a discrete typology enables social scientists to order
the complexities of reality, and through these generalisations to uncover
patterns which help to inform models of urban function, form and process.
The development and use of contemporary area classification has become
synonymous with private sector geomarketing applications such as direct mail
and customer profiling. However, in recent years there has been growing
interest by the public sector in their use as a method of tailoring service
delivery and targeting limited public resources. Although the use of
integrated datasets forming a quantified evidence base should be commended,
a range of criticisms have been levied at the use of commercial area
classification in the public sector.
In this session we will take stock of an evolving agenda for the use of area
classification in the public sector which is becoming an important strand to
contemporary urban geography. Through socio-spatial generalisation, public
sector organisations can leverage great value from their own and related
data sources, however, without appropriate safeguards these profiling
activities may result in discrimination, and most seriously in the
mis-apportioning of real life chances. The contributors will describe their
vision for new urban geography which draws on multiple high spatial and
temporal resolution data to create real time models of the urban areas that
are safe to use.
To submit a paper for this session, please send your name, institution and
email address with an abstract (max. 250 words) to [log in to unmask] by
Friday 23rd January 2009.
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Enhancing Complex Social Simulations with Automata Systems (QMRG & GIScRG)
This session aims to bring together researchers to report on progress in
diverse types of automata systems in social simulation. We encourage the
submission of theoretical, experimental, methodological and application
papers related to Cellular Automata (CA) and Agent-Based Modelling (ABM).
Papers may include, but are not limited to: Artificial social systems;
Agents and social networks; Modelling complexity in social simulations;
Large scale social simulation; Social behaviour, social actions and
interactions; Models of competition, cooperation and negotiation;
Multi-agent evolution: adaptation and learning; Hybrid automata models;
Validation and verification of simulation results and simulation systems;
Novel applications of automata systems in ecology and economics; Utilisation
of automata systems in disaster management.
Deadline for abstracts: 3 February 2009
Notification of Acceptance: 22 February 2009
For any questions related to this session, please contact any of the
conveners mentioned below. Dr Alison Heppenstall
([log in to unmask]), Dr Linda See ([log in to unmask]) or Nick
Malleson ([log in to unmask]).
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Postgraduate Research in Quantitative Geography
This session is jointly convened by Quantitative Methods Research Group
(QMRG) and the Postgraduate Forum (PGF). The aim is to provide a forum for
postgraduate researchers to present their current research applications and
have it discussed and analysed by a group of their peers and fellow
academics in a supportive and constructive environment. The session is
designed to showcase the current richness of both Human and Physical
Geography research undertaken within a quantitative framework.
To submit a paper for this session, please send your name, institution and
email address with an abstract (max. 250 words) to [log in to unmask] by
Friday 23rd January 2009.
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Finally, attached to this email is a call for a session on
‘Migration, Mixing and Ethnic Integration’, sponsored by the Population
Geography Research Group (PopGRG) and the ESRC Understanding Population
Trends and Processes (UPTAP) programme.
To offer a paper to this session, submit your details (name, institution,
email address) and an abstract (max. 250 words) to
[log in to unmask] by Friday 23rd January 2009.
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Sorry for the lengthy email - but we hope to see you all in Manchester 2009!
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