Spatially aware agents: an effective and efficient use of GIS data within an agent-based model

Abstract

Agent-based modeling (ABM) is quickly becoming a choice tool for researchers, as it is very adept at modeling natural phenomena. Real-world data has the ability to further increase the usefulness of agent-based models. This can be achieved through the inclusion of geographical information system (GIS) data. Such integration between ABM and GIS may sound trivial, but is difficult to do effectively, particularly as the complexity of GIS data and the amount of agents increase. Here, we present methods and recommendations on including GIS data in a complex simulation model. We demonstrate our techniques to an advanced epidemiological model.