Hi there,
We are a University based research centre embarking on the development of a
microsimulation model of health outcomes using empirical longitudinal data.
The end product will be a software program for use by external end users.
Our complete list of requirements is attached.
We are currently in the software selection phase. Modgen and AnyLogic are
impressive packages in features and scope and would allow us to do most of
what we want with the least effort “out of the box”. We are concerned
however that being closed source neither will allow 100% flexibility.
Of the open source packages, Repast Simphony and Ascape have caught our
attention as mature tool kits, although oriented towards Agent Based
Modelling. We would therefore need to extend them to include input of
parameter and base data files. Of these Repast has the higher public profile
and more widespread usage. However Repast offers a lot of functionality we
don't need, at the cost of quite a bit of complexity which makes it more
difficult to understand the code and extend it.
We would be grateful for any responses to the following questions:
1) Has anyone used Ascape for microsimulation? Is it widely used? Was it a
good fit for your project?
2) What tool kits, if any, have you used for microsimulation? Or have you
written your microsimulation without the use of a 3rd party tool kit/package?
3) If you have used Repast for microsimulation, what has been your
experience with it?
Thanks and regards,
Oliver Mannion
Programmer
COMPASS - Centre of Methods and Policy Application in the Social Sciences
www.compass.auckland.ac.nz
The University of Auckland, New Zealand
Phone +(649) 373 7999 ext 89760
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