1 of 13

Dynamical System Modeling and Stability Investigation�DSMSI-2025

May 08-10, 2025, Kyiv, Ukraine

Gradient zoning and density-controlled procedural urban planning using Voronoi diagrams�

Kyryl Petrachyk, Iryna Yurchuk, Anastasiia Nikolaienko

Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv

2 of 13

Introduction

Procedural generation is widely used in games, simulation, and urban planning.

Dynamical System Modeling and Stability Investigation, DSMSI-2025

There's a need for a more organic and multifunctional method that mimics real-world city growth.

Existing approaches often rely on rigid zoning, resulting in unrealistic, monotonous layouts.

3 of 13

Aim & Objectives

To develop a flexible city generation method that supports mixed-use zones, density variation, and organic growth.

Dynamical System Modeling and Stability Investigation, DSMSI-2025

Combine Voronoi diagrams, fuzzy logic, and gradient waves.

Integrate constraints and dynamic density modeling.

Enable realistic simulation of urban sprawl and multifunctionality.

4 of 13

Methodology

Dynamical System Modeling and Stability Investigation, DSMSI-2025

Voronoi Diagrams

Divide the map into irregular, sector-like areas

Fuzzy Logic

Allow overlapping functions within each sector

Gradient Waves

Simulate influence and score propagation from key points

Density Function

Control zoning granularity and spatial intensity

5 of 13

Density Factor

Models population distribution changes over time

Dynamical System Modeling and Stability Investigation, DSMSI-2025

 

Supports growth simulation, zoning variability, and infrastructure planning

 

6 of 13

Constraints & Suitability Grid

Dynamical System Modeling and Stability Investigation, DSMSI-2025

Each plot is evaluated for terrain, slope, soil, and other factors.

 

Enables dynamic adaptation to context without rigid rules

7 of 13

Voronoi Diagrams & Area Prep

Dynamical System Modeling and Stability Investigation, DSMSI-2025

Weighted placement of seed points reflects real-world irregularity.

Each sector gets fuzzy influence values instead of fixed types.

 

 

8 of 13

Gradient-Based Scoring System

Dynamical System Modeling and Stability Investigation, DSMSI-2025

FIRST WAVE

starts from the edge of buildable zones

increasing scores with distance from constraints

why?

helps locate natural city centers

an example of grading sectors to define centers

9 of 13

Gradient-Based Scoring System

Dynamical System Modeling and Stability Investigation, DSMSI-2025

SECOND WAVE

spreads from centers identified earlier

increasing scores with distance

why?

additional hubs formed using score peaks

an example of grading sectors to define centers

10 of 13

Influence Propagation & Coefficients

Dynamical System Modeling and Stability Investigation, DSMSI-2025

 

 

Different decay rates per zone type

Enables smooth, realistic transitions

11 of 13

Comparison with WFC

Dynamical System Modeling and Stability Investigation, DSMSI-2025

WFC uses rigid constraints, leading to dead-ends

More expressive, modular, and adaptable

Our method uses fuzzy influence and avoids generation failure

In WFC, each grid element initially holds all possible variants, and a specialized selection function chooses one based on compatibility rules with neighboring elements

12 of 13

Challenges & Optimization

Dynamical System Modeling and Stability Investigation, DSMSI-2025

LARGE MAPS

HIGH COMPLEXITY

use multiresolution

grids

apply hierarchical

zoning

Performance: cache frequent operations, local updates only.

13 of 13

Conclusions

Dynamical System Modeling and Stability Investigation, DSMSI-2025

Combines Voronoi diagrams, fuzzy logic, and gradient scoring.

Supports density-aware, multifunctional, and scalable urban layouts.

Avoids WFC-like rigidity, supports real-world inspired city growth.

Applicable to games, simulations, and urban research.