Modeling complex Megaregion systems: Horizontal and vertical integration for a Megaregion Model

Megaregions are considered to be the new geography that may become the nation’s operative regions, according to the March 2010 U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Strategic Plan. Such regions need analysis tools to evaluate scenarios and their regional impacts. These tools have to cover areas larger than covered by the typical Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) or State Department of Transportation (DOT) models. In addition, such tools need to integrate systems beyond transportation,such as economic, land-use or environmental modules. This paper reviews a megaregion case study, funded by the Federal Highway Administration’s Exploratory Advanced Research Program, using an analysis framework to address the impact of high energy prices in the Chesapeake Bay Megaregion around Washington D.C., USA. The paper describes the model, focusing on horizontal and vertical integration issues of various modules. A high-energy price scenario is analyzed showing the need for action at the megaregional scale.     «

Megaregions are considered to be the new geography that may become the nation’s operative regions, according to the March 2010 U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Strategic Plan. Such regions need analysis tools to evaluate scenarios and their regional impacts. These tools have to cover areas larger than covered by the typical Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) or State Department of Transportation (DOT) models. In addition, such tools need to integrate systems beyond transportatio...     »