Spatial Simulation

The module will provide a broad overview on existing theories and methods in the domain of spatio-temporal models. The focus is given to hands-on experience with adapting, designing and coding agent-based simulation models. Upon successful completion of this module, you will be equipped with the competences to design, implement, analyse and valdiate your own models to solve applied problems and conduct research with simulation models.

Core UNIGIS modules 1-3 or equivalent understanding of GIS, data modeling, data structures and data acquisition. Additionally, you need to have interest in application development, as you will have to program your own models in the practical parts of this module. While it is no strict prerequisite to have prior experience with programming, it certainly helps. See also the information under “software”. If you are not sure whether you qualify, please contact martin.loidl@plus.ac.at.

This is an exclusively english language module, hence any kind of communication with the module lecturer should be in English. A discussion forum is maintained in Moodle in order to support efficient module instruction. You are requested to submit all your questions related to this module to this forum only. The lecturer will check all incoming comments on a regular basis. She will answer your questions or provide you with pointers for solving your problems. The module is delivered in form of an instructed self-study that is based on explorative learning process and process. Theoretical concepts are complemented with practice oriented examples demonstrated with help of multimedia elements. Upon completion of the module students are requested to evaluate the module, which is a part of our quality assurance policy and practice.

The software that will be used for model development is GAMA. GAMA is an open source programming framework that was specifically developed for the design and the implementation of spatially explicit simulation models. The particular strongpoint of GAMA is its great capability in simulating spatial data. It makes use of geospatial open source libraries for handling, analysing and visualising spatial data. The platform further supports typical modelling tasks like loading data, conducting simulation experiments, and visualising results.
Models in GAMA are developed with the programming language GAML. This is a domain-specific language (DSL), which is targeted at domain experts that do not necessarily have any background in computer science. During the course of this module, you will – step by step – learn how to code with GAML. Thus, for taking this module, you need to have interest in programming. If you have already taken an application development module in UNIGIS, or have acquired prior experience in coding another way: even better!

Lecturer assessment reflects student’s achievements in this module and is conducted through assessing module assignments. Assignments (English language!) must be submitted in written format (.PDF) within the required time period. Exercises are designed to enforce students’ knowledge and skills. These should be completed to allow students to assess their own progress and are not included in the module assessment.