Modeling of Land Use Transition and its Application

A model for describing the spatial distribution of land use utility is proposed. The utility function used consists of the benefit and the cost in the process of land use transition. The benefit is described as the positive utility obtained through the land use activity. The cost is described as the negative utility necessary for changing the state of land use. Using the model, the effects of socioeconomic factors on utility can also be evaluated. As numerical examples, the proposed model is applied to the actual land use data and the effectiveness of the model is assessed.