Agent-Based Models with Python

Python is the most commonly used programming language for geospatial applications. This lab will allow you to explore agent-based models in Python by modifying an existing tiny model written entirely in Python.

Learning Objectives:

• Modify agent-based models in Python

 

Getting Started

Below is a "zip" file with Python scripts. Download this zip file into a folder on your computer and decompress it. You'll need Python which can be downloaded an installed from the Python.org web site.

A really simple SEIBM in Python

You can run the model from the command line but I recommend running it in an IDE like Wing IDE. For this lab, we'll be running the model in the Wing IDE and modifying it as needed and desired.

Turn-In

Make the Python model stable so that it maintains a population of prey and predators for at least 2 minutes.

Then, enhance the model in some way. Ideas include:

• Replacing the grass with a raster that contains land cover
• Increasing the intelligence of the movement of predators or prey
• Creating a multi-stage life cycle for the animals

 

Also, have some fun!