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simSALUD: Design and Implementation of an Open-source Wizard based Spatial Microsimulation Framework

Author

Listed:
  • Melanie N Tomintz

    (GeoHealth Laboratory, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand)

  • Bernhard Kosar

    (Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Villach, Austria)

  • Victor M García-Barrios

    (Galileo University, Guatemala City, Guatemala)

Abstract

Spatial microsimulation models have been in use for around 40 years for various applications. Responding to users? needs and project purpose, many have emerged using different methods and algorithms. Despite this, the literature suggests a gap in applications combining operability, flexibility, availability or generally an implementation of an online web mapping application in the area of spatial microsimulation. In this paper we introduce the development of a new open-source web-based spatial microsimulation framework, called simSALUD, as a solution approach for static simulation modelling where no programming skills are required. The emphasis lies on the design and implementation of the wizard and web-based spatial microsimulation application, including integrated validation and mapping elements. The current version supports two deterministic spatial microsimulation algorithms (combinatorial optimisation and iterative proportional fitting). The application is designed for experts as well as for non-experts to simulate their own spatial microdata. In addition, the application integrates statistical tools to validate and verify the robustness of the models ad hoc. The outputs of the simulation and validation results can either be visualized in the form of a map within the application or exported as comma separated files for further analyses. simSALUD comes with a demonstration dataset, an extensive documentation and video tutorial to disburden the usage of the software. The architecture of simSALUD was designed with the possibility to expand the tool towards a spatial decision support system, allowing measurement of possible future policy interventions on population groups at small geographies.

Suggested Citation

  • Melanie N Tomintz & Bernhard Kosar & Victor M García-Barrios, 2017. "simSALUD: Design and Implementation of an Open-source Wizard based Spatial Microsimulation Framework," International Journal of Microsimulation, International Microsimulation Association, vol. 10(2), pages 118-143.
    • Handle: RePEc:ijm:journl:v10:y:2017:i:2:p:118-143
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Matteo Richiardi & Ross E. Richardson, 2017. "JAS-mine: A new platform for microsimulation and agent-based modelling," International Journal of Microsimulation, International Microsimulation Association, vol. 10(1), pages 106-134.
    2. Cathal O’Donoghue & Niall Farell & Karyn Morrissey & John Lennon & Dimitris Ballas & Graham Clarke & Stephen Hynes, 2013. "The SMILE Model: Construction and Calibration," Advances in Spatial Science, in: Cathal O'Donoghue & Dimitris Ballas & Graham Clarke & Stephen Hynes & Karyn Morrissey (ed.), Spatial Microsimulation for Rural Policy Analysis, edition 127, chapter 0, pages 55-86, Springer.
    3. repec:ijm:journl:v109:y:2017:i:1:p:106-134 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Dimitris Ballas & Richard Kingston & John Stillwell & Jianhui Jin, 2007. "Building a Spatial Microsimulation-Based Planning Support System for Local Policy Making," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 39(10), pages 2482-2499, October.
    5. Oliver Mannion & Roy Lay-Yee & Wendy Wrapson & Peter Davis & Janet Pearson, 2012. "JAMSIM: a Microsimulation Modelling Policy Tool," Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, vol. 15(1), pages 1-8.
    6. Gaëtan de Menten & Gijs Dekkers & Geert Bryon & Philippe Liégeois & Cathal O'Donoghue, 2014. "LIAM2: a New Open Source Development Tool for Discrete-Time Dynamic Microsimulation Models," Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, vol. 17(3), pages 1-9.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    SPATIAL MICROSIMULATION; OPEN-SOURCE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT; SIMSALUD; USABILITY EVALUATION; SYSTEM DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C63 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Computational Techniques
    • E27 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Forecasting and Simulation: Models and Applications
    • C52 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Evaluation, Validation, and Selection
    • C88 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Other Computer Software

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