Models and modeling in human geography I: Classic or new, uncertainty and tradeoffs remain

Abstract

Human geographers are constantly endeavoring to deepen our understanding of patterns and processes. As a result, we have no shortage of models to simplify, visualize, explain, and predict human activity on Earth. However, recent advances in geographic modeling approaches are rapidly changing how we address contemporary geographic problems. In this first progress report, I provide an overview and typology of uncertainty in human geography models, enabling researchers to make more informed decisions about their data pipelines and modeling choices. In particular, this work explores uncertainty in classic, deductive models, inductive models, agent-based models, and spatial digital twins.