This book presents the Future Land Use Simulation (FLUS) model, a cutting-edge land change modeling framework that seamlessly integrates human activities with natural processes. From theoretical foundations to frontier applications, it enables multi-scale, high-resolution, and dynamic 3D simulation of land systems. Covering critical issues such as urban growth delineation, ecological impact assessment, and global carbon stock forecasting, this volume offers an essential toolkit for researchers and practitioners in geography, urban planning, and environmental science.

Dr. Xiaoping Liu, a recipient of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars (2022) and the National Science Fund for Excellent Young Scholars (2013), was recruited under Sun Yat-sen University's "Hundred Talents Program" in July 2008. He was awarded the "National Excellent Doctoral Dissertation" in 2011. Dr. Liu is a member of the Theory and Methodology Committee of the China Association of Geographic Information Systems and the Chinese Professionals in Geographic Information Sciences (CPGIS). He developed the Future Land Use Simulation (FLUS) model, which is a new generation land simulation model and couples human activities with natural effects. This model has been adopted by over 100 universities and research institutes worldwide and has been practically implemented in the development planning of more than 50 cities in China.

Dr. Guangzhao Chen is an associate professor at Sun Yat-sen University. His research areas include land change modeling, environmental analysis, and urban sustainable development. He participated in the development of the FLUS model and applied it to future land change simulation and environmental impact assessment at global and regional scales. Among his studies, the research on global urban expansion prediction and environmental impact analysis under the (Shared Socioeconomic Pathways) SSPs scenarios using the FLUS model was cited in the Working Group II and III reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report. The relevant paper was also selected as one of the most internationally influential academic papers in China for the year 2020.

Dr. Xia Li at East China Normal University is a fellow of the International Eurasian Academy of Sciences and the Academy of Social Sciences (UK). He is renowned for pioneering geographical simulation systems (GeoSOS), significantly advancing cellular automata (CA) for land use modeling. He pioneered geographical simulation systems by integrating cellular automata and multi-agent models, developing the FLUS model for high-resolution global land use simulation under climate change and human activities. His work, applied in spatial planning and sustainability assessment, has been recognized as “Top Ten Research Advances in Geographical Science in China (2020)”.

Dr. Xun Liang is a professor at the School of Geographic Sciences and Information Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan). Recognized as a globally top-cited (2%) scientist, his research focuses on geospatial simulation and land use planning. He has made seminal contributions to cellular automata (CA) modeling. He was a key developer of the Future Land Use Simulation (FLUS) model, which integrates human and natural factors for multi-scenario land use projection. His models support practical spatial planning, with his FLUS-UGB framework applied in tens of Chinese cities for urban growth boundary delineation.

Dr. Chuanglin Fang is an academician of the International Eurasian Academy of Sciences and a Grade II research professor at the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). A leading expert in urban geography and sustainable development, he is renowned for formulating the human-environment interaction coupling theory. He has conducted a series of influential studies using cellular automata for urban simulation and sustainable development analysis. His research, recognized with awards such as the IGU Distinguished Geographical Practice Award, provides crucial decision-making support for major national strategies like the Beautiful China Initiative.