Abstract
In this paper, we propose a novel method that enables automatically modeling of time series virtual cities. We apply cellular automata (CA) to lay out many buildings, and genetic algorithm (GA) to produce time series change of virtual cities. We produce virtual cities by giving cellular automata several states: vacant ground, a variety of buildings, two kinds of road. GA determines the sequence of applied rules so as to generate the virtual city required by users. Simulation models using CA have been developed to predict urban growth, but a large amount of historical data is needed to calibrate the system and a method to generate original cities is not discussed. We have developed a method that uses artificial life techniques to model original virtual cities that have the characteristics of actual cities. Examples of virtual cities verify followings. We can generate four types of virtual cities: a uniform city, a random city, an ordering city, and a city that has several areas as actual cities. The GA search of a sequence of rules works well to producing various types of virtual cities that users need and time series of changing virtual cities.
