An urban and regional model based on cellular automata

In this paper I will report on the capability of cellular automata (CA) to simulate urban structure and development. The model is based on CA and economic theory, structure and policy parameters, and four actors -- white-collar and blue-collar populations, and service and base activities. Indicators related to the performance of the urban structure obtained are created, a simulation, based on different parameter structures (maximum distance, inverse activity rate and service/population ratio, and the white collar population/blue collar population ratio) is proposed, and indicators are evaluated. Finally, some urban policies (a limitation of the main city size and the realisation of a new service centre and of social housing) are tested.