Spatial dynamics, cellular automata, and parallel processing computers

The model presented in this paper is an attempt to reexamine spatial dynamics in the light of new concepts and techniques. Among these, cellular automata and parallel processing should contribute to revitalize dynamical studies in the geographical space and deserve consideration. A complete modeling framework is first discussed; then a model consisting of a cellular automaton associated with several distributive functions is described. This model, applied to the von Thunen scheme, shows that a distance function combined with a strong neighborhood effect could produce patterns similar to that expected under the conditions of the classical von Thunen model.