Case Study:

SPARTACUS

Methodology

Analytical Framework

The SPARTACUS analytical framework is illustrated in Figure 2. The system includes four main components:

1. The "engine" incorporates the modeling tools, MEPLAN and the Raster module. MEPLAN is a computer software package based on a land-use transport interaction modeling framework. The Raster module is a GIS-based method to calculate indicator values at a spatially disaggregate level, based on a grid of 100m x 100m cells. These tools carry out the policy simulation and much of the basic mathematical computation.
2. A set of input files that provide data to the models and translate policy packages into a form suitable for model simulation.
3. An integrated GIS module, MEPLUS, that provides tools for policy analysis and reporting of results. MEPLUS includes facilities for storing, manipulating, and screen-browsing of selected model outputs, as well as calculation of indicators and background variables based on the output of MEPLAN and the Raster module.
4. The USE-IT (Urban Sustainability Evaluation and Interpretation Tool) module, a decision support tool that allows the user to define indicators; give weights and value functions to create overall indices of economic, environmental, and social sustainability; and view results in tables or graphical forms.

Figure 2. Analytical Framework

The principles of the MEPLAN model and Raster module, as well as their use in calculating various impacts, are discussed in more detail below. MEPLUS and USE-IT are not discussed here, but more information on these tools can be found on the SPARTACUS web site.

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