Let’s talk about the uses and the misuses of models

In the last issue we covered a new report by Yaron Hollander, a former Transport for London modelling manager, looking at ten misuses of transport models. This is one of a selection of responses from within the modelling community

Tim Gent, technical director, Atkins

27 November 2015

Tim Gent is technical director at consultant Atkins.

For any professional engaged in analytical work, public debate about ethics and misuse of your toolkit must always invoke mixed feelings. There is an instinct to keep your head down and focus on your own work. But at the same time, a professional must not appear to be dis-engaged with these issues.

For me, Yaron Hollander’s report simply gives an opportunity to talk about issues that are close to my heart as a transport modeller, and a debate I’m always happy to have.

Yaron’s...