After an ecological-type formulation of single-city aggregate urban dynamics, the optimum time trajectory of such a system is analyzed. A set of models are discussed which use different objective functions, and it is shown that erratic on-off switches of the urban controls are the optimum strategies under any type of objective function. Solutions for the optimum timing of bang-bang-type application of any specific urban policy instrument would need to be determined numerically.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
DendrinosD S, 1979, “A basic model of urban dynamics expressed as a set of Volterra-Lotka equations” in Catastrophe Theory in Urban and Transport Analysis report DOT/RSPA/DPB-25/80/20, US Department of Transportation, Washington, DC, pp 79–103.
2.
DendrinosD SMullallyH, 1981, “Evolutionary patterns of urban populations”Geographical Analysis13(4) 328–344.
3.
GohB S, 1969, “Optimal control of a fish resource”Malayan Scientist565–70.
4.
GohB SLeitmannGVincentT, 1974, “Optimal control of a prey-predator system”Mathematical Biosciences19263–286.
5.
HirschMSmaleS, 1974Differential Equations, Dynamical Systems, and Linear Algebra (Academic Press, New York).
6.
LeitmannG, 1966An Introduction to Optimal Control (McGraw-Hill, New York).
