Since some of the steps in the Data Manipulation tier of the system architecture involve user-delineated areas, a map user interface was created to help judge where these areas should be. A user may choose to use his or her map document or data for delineating by loading the Annual Brome ABMS toolbox. To prevent burdening users who lack such materials, a map document titled DemoMap organizes and clearly labels valuable data (see Figure 6.1; see Appendix F).
Figure 6.1. ArcMap’s Table of Contents and ArcToolbox
In the table of contents (TOC), there are seven data groups. The only group occupied is the Initial Data, which contains a classified 2001 Annual Brome Cover and 2001 Annual Brome Cover for Presence/Absence with presence indicated by values between 10 and 40 and absence indicated by values between 0 and 9 and between 41 and 100. From these two datasets, the user can gain a general understanding as to where he or she would like to establish a study area. For more data, the user can Add Data from the provided Data folder (see Figure 6.2)
Figure 6.2. Add Data Window
Three color schemes were used to represent percent values (see Figure 6.3). A gradual darkening of yellow leading up to ten indicates the annual brome presence/absence cut- off fuzziness. An orange transitioning to dark red emphasizes a more exponential increase in cover for values 10 to 40. The remaining values are colored purple to emphasize them as outliers.
Figure 6.3. Symbolized Annual Brome Cover for 2001
In addition to the value classification, the 2001 Annual Brome Cover dataset is
represented through presence/absence (see Figure 6.4). To make the symbolization as simple as possible, red was used with two levels of brightness. This lets the user distinguish the two categories while at the same time it is easy remember which symbolizes which.
Figure 6.4. Symbolized Annual Brome Cover for 2001 – Presence/Absence
When the user is ready to start the agent-based simulation, he or she simply adds the Annual Brome ABMS toolbox to ArcToolbox and follows the steps described in sections 5.2-5.7. Within the toolbox, there are three toolsets: one important to customizing the data, and the other two for Agent Analyst.
The Customizing Data to the User Defined Extents toolset groups three distinct models, one of which has two versions. The user starts by opening the Customizing Data for the Study Area model. When the form opens, there are eight data input parameters, eight data output parameters, and one parameter for delineating the study area. The user does not need to change any of the inputs or outputs unless there is a white X within a red circle symbol, which indicates an invalid parameter setting (see Figure 6.5). There is also a black exclamation point within a yellow triangle symbol, indicating that the dataset can be overwritten; this parameter does not need to be changed unless the user does not want to overwrite.
Figure 6.5. Tool Symbols
In order to delineate a study area, the user must create a feature set. A polygon feature set can be created by selecting the top button next to the parameter (see Figure 6.6). There is the option for creating more than one feature set, however it is recommended that only one be created per simulation.
Figure 6.6. Delineating Areas
After the parameters are set and the model is run, the resulting data output is
automatically added to the map display with pre-set symbology. There is a folder called Layers_for_Symbology that contains layer files that are imported for outputs’
symbologies (see Figure 6.7).
Figure 6.7. Importing Symbology for Tool Output
After each model is run, the output data layers appear at the top of the TOC. The user simply drags the new layers into the corresponding group. Group labels start with the word “after” followed by the name of the model just run (see Figure 6.8). By moving the
layers to these groups, the user can keep track of which model steps have been run and view the output. Each data output, including the roads, railroads, etc. are symbolized with an imported layer. This makes it easy for the user to detect correlations with model output.
Figure 6.8. Rearranging the Table of Contents
The AA simulation steps are unique in comparison to the others. The data are edited directly, and as it would be useful to see the pre-simulation points in contrast to the post-
display until after a refresh; the user can see the movement once he or she hits the refresh button.
6.1. Running Agent Analyst Tools
To initiate the Primary Simulation or Germination Simulation steps in the model, the user will need to open the AA tools. The tools have been pre-set to activate the saved model file containing the model actions, agent actions, and shapefile-to-model link information. The user simply double clicks the tool in the corresponding toolset and runs it. AA will open along with the Repast Simulation toolbar (see Figure 6.9). To start the simulation, the user simply clicks the single tick icon symbolized by a play button with a vertical bar to the left. When the simulation is complete, the tick count will read “1.0”.