A discussion on simulations' visualization usage

Abstract

The usage of a simulation's visualization varies enormously within our community: for some, it is the simulation; for others, it is a development annoyance used for a screen-shot in presentations before the "proper" statistical results can be shown. Real-world systems are, for the most of us, explored visually so a simulation's visualization allows us to reconnect the simulation to its underlying system through the same media we experience it. However, simulation models are not perfect representations of reality and some of these imperfections maybe left out of the simulation's visualization. At best, this might be due to parsimony concerns by the developer (e.g. the color of a simulated entities shirt usually does not matter); at worst, charlatanism to sell the simulation package. In this paper, a detailed discussion is given on the use (and potential misuse) of simulation visualization and possible solutions.

Stability and Sensitivity Measures for Solutions in Complex, Intelligent, Adaptive and Autonomous Systems

“…What actually is needed is an extension of each value as of this surface to be extended using the insights shown for a single solution in Figure 2. Which visualization is the best to use is topic of ongoing research, such as described in [11]. could be observed in several thousand runs conducted in support of the NATO study.…”

A Web Based Architecture to Operationalize Geospatial Simulation Environments

“…Research presented in [61] argues that research mostly focuses on the mechanics that make up simulation and that, since visualization does not directly affect the simulation, it is seen as a secondary consideration. They further mention that, for some, visualization can even be treated as a development annoyance that is a necessary step before presenting "proper" statistical results.…”

“…For simulation tools focused on formal models (mainly developed in academic contexts) the situation is worse, and visualization capabilities tend to be basic or completely absent. This is likely due to the resources involved in developing comprehensive visualization capability and the lack of interest from the research community regarding this topic [66]. For example, CD++ [67], Cadmium [68] [68], DEVSJAVA [69] and ADEVS [70] are all generic DEVS simulators that only offer basic visualization and analysis capabilities.…”

“…In the past few years however, research on the philosophical and theoretical considerations of the role of visualization and analysis in simulation has become more common. Collins et al have been particularly fruitful regarding this topic [61], [66], [118]. In [119], they highlight the importance and role of visualization for simulation by writing that "ultimately, the acceptance of complexity models within mainstream science and society will depend on the results that are produced visually".…”

“…Collins et al have been particularly fruitful regarding this topic [61], [66], [118]. In [119], they highlight the importance and role of visualization for simulation by writing that "ultimately, the acceptance of complexity models within mainstream science and society will depend on the results that are produced visually". They also remark that visualization is a communication mechanism for nonexpert users, it can shine light on salient patterns of a system, particularly when they are non-linear, it can easily identify non-converging simulations through analytical charts, etc.…”