ESTIMATION OF A DISCRETE-CHOICE MODEL WITH SPATIAL INTERACTIONS: THE CASE OF DEFORESTATION IN WESTERN ATTICA BETWEEN 1990 AND 2000

Elpianna EMMANOUILIDI

Athens University of Economics and Business, Dept. of Economic Science, Athens, Greece

elpemman@aueb.gr

Abstract

This paper presents an environmental application, investigating land use changes of forests and semi-natural areas in the Greek region of Western Attica. Its objective is to estimate the spatial equilibrium distribution of individual deforestation actions and determine the degree of coordination in individual behaviour. For this purpose, the paper starts by creating a virtual economic network of 156 agents, by laying an ad hoc square grid over the region. Next, the dominant forest land use changes have been determined for each land parcel, using CORINE land cover maps for the years 1990 and 2000. The economic model used is a discrete choice model, with endogenous spatial interactions. Even though spatial interactions produce multiple equilibria, the present research proposes a two-stage fixed point estimator, yielding a unique solution. Empirical findings suggest that equilibrium deforestation actions are strategic substitutes for the environment and complements for agriculture, and are characterized by a relative lack of coordination in individual behaviour.

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IN SEARCH OF THE POLICY APPLIED AND SPATIAL CORRELATIONS OF ELECTRONIC GOVERNMENT APPLICATIONS IN GREECE

Evangelos ASPROGERAKAS

Urban & Regional Planner, National Technical University of Athens

v.aspro@uclmail.net

Abstract

Following the demands of contemporary economy, public administration gradually adopts the applications of information and communications technology. This paper deals with the policy concerning the development of electronic governance (eG) applications and how their use is affected by and determines spatial correlations. The adopted methodology includes a bibliographical approach and a case study analysis based on the use of taxation electronic applications, particularly popular as eG applications, in Greece.

In the EU, ICT in fact functions merely as a means of realisation within pre-existing political, social and economical structures a fact posing restrictions in terms of the results of their potential use. E-Government applications are a more immediate way for the citizen to get in contact with public services and a mechanism of accelerating administrative procedures. There is a lack of contribution to the cohesion of policies and actions.

The constitution of telematic nets and the use of technological applications are the main mechanisms leading to the notion of “electronic space” challenging at the same time the traditional view of accessibility and the functional organisation of space. The inferior position concerning conventional accessibility as well as the multifragmentation of a spatial unity are distinguished as major factors for the development of eG applications together with the existence of a major urban centre. Moreover there is at least some evidence that the use is related to the predominant activity of the area in question with tourism acting as a familiarisation tool with the internet and its applications.


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ADDRESSING COMPLEX SPATIAL DECISION PROBLEMS IN MOUNTAINOUS AREAS: THE INTELLIGENT SPATIAL DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS (SDSS) APPROACH

Kostas TOLIDIS

School of Rural and Surveying Engineering, National Technical University of Athens,

kostolid@gmail.com

Efi  DIMOPOULOU

School of Rural and Surveying Engineering, National Technical University of Athens,

efi@survey.ntua.gr

Abstract

This paper discusses the issue of land use planning and land policy making for mountain regions, considered as regions with specific characteristics (natural, cultural, etc.), but also development constraints. Spatial decision making in such regions is characterized by complexity (semi-structured spatial decision problems) and multiplicity of problems. These indicate the need for qualitative information in support of the decision-making process, in order to improve effectiveness in decision making. Toward this end, it is first presented the state-of-the-art of MC-SDSSs and their significance as a planning tools for mountainous areas; second are outlined the multiple benefits from the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the context of MC-SDSS for Multisite Land Use Allocation (MLUA) procedures applied in mountainous areas; and finally, a MLUAL methodological framework as the core of a future MC-SDSS is proposed.

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