Spatial simulation using abstraction of virtual geographic environments

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we address two challenging issues underlying spatial simulation using software agents immersed in virtual geographic environments (VGE). First, the way to describe virtual VGE models using accurate spatial decomposition approaches structured using graph theory techniques. Second, the use of graph abstraction techniques to support realistic and advanced navigation and path planning capabilities for software agents considering the VGE's characteristics. In order to illustrate our contributions to the growing field of spatial simulations, we present and discuss a case study involving an urban VGE model populated with agents who autonomously and differently interact with multiple abstractions of the same physical environment.

KEYWORDS:

• Virtual geographic environment
• spatial abstraction
• spatial modeling and simulation
• spatial information semantics

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank colleagues from the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology who provided insight and expertise that greatly assisted the research, although they may not agree with all of the interpretations/conclusions of this paper.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

ORCID

Mehdi Mekni http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5769-3501