A language for modular spatio-temporal simulation

Creating an effective environment for collaborative spatio-temporal model development will require computational systems that provide support for the user in three key areas: (1) Support for modular, hierarchical model construction and archiving/linking of simulation modules; (2) support for graphical, icon-based model construction; (3) transparent, seamless support for state of the art distributed computing. The key requirement for this support is the adoption of a modeling standard, either in the form of an interface specification language (ISL), or a modular modeling language (MML). The ISL supports remote linking of simulation modules developed in disparate languages and environments. The MML provides a language standard for the development and archiving of simulation modules. Optimally, the implementation of these languages will include seamless links to graphical, icon-based simulation environments and distributed computing environments. In this paper we discuss the authors' program to develop and implement an MML-based integrated environment designed to provide this support for distributed modular spatio-temporal modeling. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.