Advances in geocomputation (1996-2011)

1. What is geocomputation? The first international conference on 'Geocomputation', hosted by the School of Geography at the University of Leeds in 1996, launched a new research agenda in geographical analysis and modelling (Openshaw & Abrahart, 1996): ''The art and science of solving complex spatial problems with computers'' (GeoComputation, 2012). The interest generated in this field was established as a yearly conference in its early stages Alongside the conferences, and in seeking to advance the field conceptually, debate around a definition of 'What is Geocomputa-tion' has continued. An early definition offered by Couclelis (1998, p. 18) simply states that 'geocomputation just means the universe of computational techniques applicable to spatial prob-lems'. However, Openshaw argues that such a statement is limited in extent and that geocomputation further presents a ''new paradigm for applying science in a geographical context'' (Openshaw, 2000, p. 5). In this sense, geocomputation is not simply about applying computational methods to explore geographical concepts ; it offers an extensive toolkit for the examination and identification of new perspectives on spatial processes. Longley describes geocomputation in terms of the unexplored geographical processes that it allows one to examine – ''The hallmarks of geocomputation are those of research-led applications which emphasise process over form, dynamics over statics, and interaction over passive response'' (Longley, 1998, p. 3). Longley sees geocomputation as providing the framework for the execution of geocomputational science – in both advancing the state-of-the-art in the computation of geography as well as extending our understanding of geographical phenomena. In taking this view, it is said that geocomputation extends geographical information systems (GISs), with the latter offering a toolkit that allows the practice of geocomputational science. Openshaw (2000, p. 9), in agreement, suggests that the relationship between GIS and geocomputation is important, ''yet may be just as important; for example, with computer science or numerical methods or sta-tistics''. Geocomputation, then, represents a broad framework, and despite significant methodological advances since these definitions were initially offered (which have been showcased at the geocomputation conference series), the principles of geocomputa-tion continue to follow the vein offered by Openshaw and Longley. No matter how the science of geocomputation is defined, it is clear that a number of fundamental methods and technologies encapsulate the majority of research within the area. Gahegan (1999) describes this framework as consisting of four 'enabling technologies' (ETs), described as core to the execution of geocom-putational research, which are: (1) …