Computer Modeling

Abstract

The starting point of computer modeling is the design of a conceptual model . The conceptual model aggregates our knowledge of the system and implies a thorough (albeit subjective) selection of components and processes judged essential for the processes under study in a given spatiotemporal context. A conceptual model is graphically presented in form of a compartment system. Compartments are defined with respect to morphology and to physical, chemical and biological states. A computer model implies the translation of a conceptual model into a code, i.e. an algorithm.

Additional References

“…A common way of computer modeling (Richter et al, 2001) is to start by designing the computer algorithm directly. The starting point of a model like this is a computer flow chart.…”