A Visual Language for Spatially Aware Agent-Based Modeling in Crisis Scenarios

We describe a visual language focused on the design of agent-based simulation models, considering a simulation environment where agent modeling is mainly concerned with the spatial aspects and constraints of the scenario. Such environment is used to test and validate specific action plans designed for execution in specific real word situations, e.g., emergency situations. This work uses as a test case the dam break emergency management scenario. In such situations, the emergency response entities must cover the affected area through a set of procedures and follow a set of priorities and criteria. To better understand which strategy best fits a specific scenario, the emergency plan must be tested and validated, thus requiring an explicit representation of the plan. The proposed visual representation of the agents’ behaviors offers a friendly environment for the specification of the plan by domain experts, generally with no programming skills. The plan is then forwarded to a simulation engine, used to perform its validation.