Common ABM Model Representations
[This topic is one of four seeking input and ideas from the ABM software development community regarding future directions for the ABM tools community. Even (especially?) if you aren't past of software development efforts please share your thoughts.]
Is a common ABM representation possible or useful? Would it be overly stifling? (See Swarmfest discussion earlier this year.) Advantages and disadvantages?
Would more generic approaches (UML, XML) suffice?
What are implementation / uptake challenges?
As a beginner who have come to know people coming from different ABM schools I noticed that there is scarce integration between different methodologies.
For instance in developing the conceptual model of my ABM I found that ODD and UML (and ARDI) can mutually benefit and complement each other. Who is interested can find more in this working paper: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1566861
Prior to the design of an Agent-based Model, considerable effort must be expended. This effort is likely to follow the general path of science method: expression of an hypothesis; followed by development of a theory of the behavior of its domain (objects and processes); and at last experimentation.
Vigorous open collaborative dialog [multilog] must accompany all phases of development. Each step on the road will involve modeling; for indeed, what is a theory but a model? The ABM's place in this scheme is at the experimentation and verification phase.
The WWW has an ever-improving suite of tools necessary to express both models and supporting dialog. Dialog is needed to design and explain models. A permanent record of the dialog can be maintained for reference. Priority can be established and contributions recorded.
While this sort of work is not the sort of activity many care to do, it is absolutely necessary to establish a firm foundation for the considerable effort involved in development of an ABM. Let us understand the problem first, and then proceed on a productive path.
so im 16, and im new to the whole modeling thing, and i have a meeting with an agency on december 1st. but i am clueless as to what they want me to bring in..like what kind of pictures. could someone PLEASE help me out?? something like this? i dont know but please give me some advice, would be mucchhh much appreciated! thanks :)