Calibration and validation of agent-based models of land-cover change
Abstract
This chapter considers two important issues in the development of agent-based models, i.e. calibration and validation. These terms are defined and framed into a step-by-step process. Each step is then explained in further detail and illustrated using an agent-based model of shifting cultivation developed by Ngo (2009) as part of his PhD research project. Although the process of model validation presented here is applicable to agent-based models in general, some of the finer details are more relevant to agent-based models of land use and land cover change.