Kurt Andrew DeSoto
Computer Systems Research Laboratory Third Quarter

Documentation: Poster Update


Introduction

 This project uses the NetLogo code to simulate evacuation of a
user-defined 'danger area' with elements such as walls and collisions, event 
timing, and agent-based intelligence. The user initializes the desired 
environment, altering the presets if desired, chooses the behavior of the 
citizens, then runs the applet. Appropriate information is monitored and 
graphed in the GUI.



Development
 I am implementing my project by coding iterations on a regular
basis. These are available at my home page, www.tjhsst.edu/kdesoto, for other 
users to view, run, and comment on. The current goal is to accurately depict 
citizens' actions in a terror situation. I am using the NetLogo code and the 
HubNet interface. This is all available off the NetLogo home page. As explained 
above, I am testing this project by running it and evaluating the changes by 
comparing the previous version to the newly-coded iteration.


NetLogo
 NetLogo is a cross platform multi-agent programmable modeling


Project 
environment created by Northwestern University's Center for Connected Learning 
and Computer-Based Modeling (hereafter CCL). It was designed specifically for 
simulation of social and natural phenomenon. Originally StarLogoT, this 
language and graphical user interface hybrid offers a multitude of possibilities
for researchers and students, allowing users to examine interactions and 
behaviors on both micro and macro scales. NetLogo is designed with accessibility
in mind; the program allows for quick Java applet exportation and interactivity
with CCL's HubNet interface, which lets the user run participatory simulations 
in which a class or group of testers takes part in enacting the behavior of a 
system as each user controls a part of the system by using an individual device 
(such as a TI-83+ calculator or a networked computer). NetLogo comes packaged 
with an expansive models library and an assortment of code samples for easy access.

 This project was set up to determine the most effective ways to get large 
numbers of citizens to safety in times of danger. In order to determine how 
to do this, certain things must be determined. First, the parameters that add 
to the dangerousness of the environment should be measured. Secondly, once the 
situations of greatest danger are found, the most effective intelligences to 
escape this danger must be poinpointed as well. Using the environment 
instantiated in the setup (see subsection "The Environment"), different 
situations are tested.
Written April 2005 KAD