Spatial analysis for functional region of suburban-rural area using micro genetic algorithm with variable population size

A micro genetic algorithm with variable population size (VP mu GA) is proposed for the spatial analysis for the functional region of suburan-rural area, in which, the fitness function is implied by a functional region affecting index (Theta) with a 'law-of-gravity' interpretation. The VP mu GA evaluates the Theta represented dynamical behaviours over a 'short' to 'long' term period, which also revisits the urbanisation of Beijing and examines the Theta sensitivity to the functional distance of 13 suburban-rural districts. Numerical results with given statistics has been obtained using a specially devised simulation toolkit, it is shown that the VP mu GA method can work valuably as a tool for providing a functional distanced based estimation of the inter-relationships between the enterprises number, the regional profit, the local population, the regional employment, etc., and to use this understanding to evaluate suburban-rural districts that are more resilient and adaptable. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.