Features of Discrete Event Simulation Systems for Spatial Pedestrian and Evacuation Dynamics

Abstract

Discrete Event Simulation (DEVS) is a widely used approach for modelling and simulation of dynamic discrete systems. The modern object-oriented DEVS world view regards active objects (entities) passing passive objects (stations) along given path. An event mechanism updates movement of entities, being capable also of collisions and other state-dependent phenomena. Consequently; DEVS can be used for simulation of pedestrian and evacuation dynamics. Classical straightforward modelling approaches, based on abstract classical queuing systems, do not take into account the spatial distributions primarily — only for animation a spatial component is used. But modern object-oriented tools allow modelling of a spatial distribution primarily by means of topological attributes as well in active and passive objects at the modelling level. This contribution discusses the “spatial” features of DEVS simulation systems The chosen simulation tool, Enterprise Dynamics, offers a high flexibility due to its programming language 4d script that allows adding further functionality to the provided elements as well as creating completely new ones.