Exploring the World of Agent-Based Simulations: Simple Models, Complex Analyses

Abstract

Agent-based simulations are models where multiple entities sense and stochastically respond to conditions in their local environments, mimicking complex large-scale system behavior. We provide an overview of some important issues in the modeling and analysis of agent-based systems. Examples are drawn from a range of fields: biological modeling, sociological modeling, and industrial applications, though we focus on recent results for a variety of military applications. Based on our experiences with various agent-based models, we describe issues that simulation analysts should be aware of when embarking on agent-based model development. We also describe a number of tools (both graphical and analytical) that we have found particularly useful for analyzing these types of simulation models. We conclude with a discussion of areas in need of further investigation.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2002
Accession Number
ADA492247

Entities

People

  • C.-h. Chen
  • E. Yucesan
  • J. L. Snowdon
  • J. M. Charnes
  • Susan M. Sanchez
  • Thomas W. Lucas

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agent-Based Simulations
  • Algorithms
  • Behavior And Behavior Mechanisms
  • Command And Control
  • Computational Science
  • Computers
  • Data Mining
  • Engineers
  • Information Science
  • Information Systems
  • Marine Corps
  • Military Operations
  • Military Science
  • Operations Research
  • Systems Engineering
  • United States
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Agent-Based Social Robotics and Mobile-Assisted Learning in Virtual Environments.
  • Computational Modeling and Simulation