Letters in Spatial and Resource Science

Yoshida, Takahiro; Tsutsumi, Morito

doi: 10.1007/s12076-017-0199-5pmid: N/A

Spatial compositional multivariate models have recently been developed in environmental and ecological research. However, little attention has been paid to how the results of these models are affected by different settings of spatial relationships, which are generally formulated using the so-called “spatial weight matrix.” Many studies set their models to first order contiguity, which is analogous to the moves of a rook in chess, without examining the effects of this choice of spatial relationship type. In this study, we examine the formulation of spatial relationship in spatial compositional multivariate models. We investigate the question of prediction accuracy through an empirical illustration that uses land use compositional data and compositional multivariate conditionally autoregressive models with different spatial relationship formulations. The results indicate that the wide range and smoothed setting of spatial relationship is preferable for prediction accuracy in our empirical case. The results for each variate suggest that the preferable relationships vary: the preferable setting on the total is not always preferable for each variate. Improving prediction accuracy requires that we consider a different spatial weight for each variate in multivariate cases.

Keutiben, Octave

doi: 10.1007/s12076-018-0201-xpmid: N/A

Using a spatial model à la Hotelling, this paper examines the evolution over time of the pattern of resource flows between two production sites (countries or regions) which differ in terms of their production technology, their geographical size, and their endowment of some nonrenewable natural resource. Besides the traditional explanations of comparative advantage and factor endowments, the model emphasizes the crucial role of geographical size in the determination of the equilibrium resource flows patterns. The unit cost of transport is shown to play a decisive role in determining whether the international asymmetry in terms of geographical sizes of countries has a greater influence than the other two factors. Interestingly, the model explains why a relatively resource rich country, even with the lowest mining cost, may well be a net importer of the resource, contrary to what is to be expected in a spaceless context.

Ganser, Robin; Mattei, Julia

doi: 10.1007/s12076-018-0202-9pmid: N/A

The paper sets out key challenges for spatial planning in the twenty-first century—with a particular focus on the quest for making the most effective and efficient use of land, in order to ensure sustainable urban development. In doing so, it provides an international comparative analysis, exploring the potential steering of development through fiscal powers—complementary to planning powers and instruments in Germany and Brazil. In this context, it addresses some of the apparent weaknesses in the context of statutory planning. Fiscal instruments can contribute to an effective steering of spatial development, a feature not yet actively exploited in Germany. This paper analyses the municipal and state options to enhance its land tax (Grundsteuer) regime, drawing from the Brazilian municipal property tax example and exploring the potential for adaptation. In Brazil, the constitution explicitly defines the property tax as an instrument for spatial planning. Research into problems and success factors of this Brazilian model of land development are rare and don’t exist in the international discourse. This research analyzes important elements to be considered in any tax reform aiming to increase environmental protection through sustainable development of urban areas. It therefore contributes to the international theoretical discourse of planning and fiscal law and also has relevance for planning practice, particularly for decision makers.