ON THE METRIC STRUCTURE IN THE SPACE OF DYNAMIC SYSTEM MODELS

A metric structure is proposed in the set of dynamic system models. In this way we obtain a metric space of models with the corresponding in duced topology. The distance function is based on the Hausdorff distan ce between sets of probability functions related to model outputs. Thi s permits us to calculate the distance between two models, to define a convergent sequence of models and to handle the mappings from model p arameter space to the model space. The continuity of such mappings can be investigated. This may be useful when selecting a simplified model specification of deciding if a model component can be removed or the model structure simplified.