Integration of an Agent-Based Model and Augmented Reality for Immersive
Modeling Exploration
Abstract
This work reports on the design and implementation of advanced
geospatial simulations using an Agent-Based Model (ABM) integrated with
an augmented reality solution for interactive and immersive modeling
exploration. The multi-scenario modeling framework allows for emergent
phenomena and provides flexible representation of biological and
physical environmental factors associated with natural and man-made
systems. Augmented reality is provided by a sandbox running Tangible
Landscape, based on a customization of GRASS GIS. An integrated
Microsoft Kinect sensor mounted over the sandbox captures real-time
topography produced by physical interactions with sand and resulting
digital elevation models are ingested into the Recursive Porous Agent
Simulation Toolkit (Repast) as landscape definition input. We illustrate
the implementation by presenting a model system that includes a classic
predator-prey relationship over a grassland habitat where sheep and
wolves coexist as agents. Food sources for sheep are scattered over the
landscape and are consumed as agents forage. Wolves control sheep
population by actively searching for sheep and chasing individuals when
their presence is detected. We simulate natural conditions by defining
that the presence and movement of agents over the landscape is
controlled by elevation provided by the sandbox. For instance, the
presence of agents and resources can be limited to specific elevation
ranges and slope is used to incorporate movement cost (energy loss)
while individual agents travel over the landscape. Ecological conditions
are further simulated by the consumption and regrowth of food resources.
Users interact with the sandbox and the modeling effort by manually
moving sand and altering landforms. This effort brings together multiple
technologies and data manipulation/visualization strategies and allows
for feature-rich experimentation by supporting multiple co-located and
georeferenced layers (e.g., land use/land cover, soil, hydrography).