Harmonie-cités : Harmonized database for urban dynamics and activities in different type of systems of cities in the world Lead Partner : UMR Geographie-Cités , Paris– Anne Bretagnolle The project's aim is to produce database for international comparison, producing harmonized data in space and time according to explicit conceptual, statistical and computer models. The multiple and flexible conceptions will enable testing a variety of hypothesis. We propose an integrated, documented and reproducible method that we shall illustrate by four case studies representative of the worldwide diversity of urban systems. We will produce a model-assisted corpus of comparable data. Our method consists in complementing the existing historical data bases by new sources of information like Corine LandCover, by integrating them in a general Geographical Information System. This system is adapted to the management of heterogeneous and partial information. It enables flexibility in the production of urban data. This information will be fully documented, from sources to metadata. At the end of the project, all documents on database construction, sources and methods, will be put in a website with interactive interfaces. These metadata will be made explicit by providing a series of analytical tools for measuring urban growth, evaluating urban hierarchies, characterising urban functions and competences and modelling their dynamics. The data on urban populations will be accessible on this website. Different works will demonstrate the impact of data measurement and definition on the evaluation of the heuristic and predictive use of usual models of urban dynamics. Members of the project : Anne Bretagnolle, Maître de Conférences – Université Paris 1 UMR Géographie-cités, Sylvie Dubuc Chercheur,Oxford University, Social Policy and Social Work Department, Timothée Giraud Ingénieur d'études - UMR Géographie-cités, Marianne Guérois Maître de Conférences – Université Paris 12 EA CRETEIL, Liliane Lizzi Ingénieur cartographe UMR Géographie-cités, Thomas Louail Doctorant –IBISC-Université d'Evry, Hélène Mathian Ingénieur d'études CNRS UMR Géographie-cités, Sébastien Oliveau Maître de Conférences – Université de Aix-Marseille, Fabien Paulus Maître de Conférences – Université Louis Pasteur UMR Images et Villes, Denise Pumain Professeur – Université Paris 1 UMR Géographie-cités, Céline Rozenblat Professeur – Université de Lausanne, Lena Sanders Directrice de recherche CNRS UMR Géographie-cités, Céline Vacchiani-Marcuzzo Maître de Conférences – Université de Reims (URCA) EA Habiter UMR Géographie-cités.