DYMEX 3.0
Simulator - New Features
The following list includes the major differences between Version 2 and Version 3. In addition, a large number of minor improvements have been made to the Simulator program.
- Populations can be divided into separate sub-populations (demes) within the model to represent, for example, genetic types or spatial units. When this is done, variables and parameters that take part in the sub-population structure have components that correspond to each sub-population.
- The Lifestage window has been extensively redesigned to allow a much better overview of the processes and process components within each lifestage.
- Lifestages can be initializes with multiple cohorts. This is useful in cases where it is necessary to have each “cohort” correspond to one individual.
- Lifecycle now can contain factors that belong to the lifecycle as a whole (i.e., they are not part of lifestage processes). This can avoid redefining the same parameter multiple times.
Simulator Enhancements from version 1
The Simulator has been extensively redesigned and there are numerous small differences from Version 1. The following list indicates the major differences:
- The paradigm used by the Simulator is altered considerably. In Version 1, the user opened a Model (GMD) file. In Version 2, the user opens or creates a new Simulation (DXS or INI) file. The Simulation File is essentially the same as the Initialization File used in Version 1 of DYMEX, and stores settings for a particular run. With this new paradigm, it is an easy matter to save simulation settings at any time.
- The Model Components window has been redesigned, with many new features. Many modules indicate their settings in more detail. Users can hide modules that do not require initialisation, thus simplifying the appearance of a model. More convenient access to parameters and information about the set of parameters is now available through this window. Sequences can be set more conveniently.
- The Parameter initialisation window has been enhanced, with a tree-view of the parameters within their hierarchy. A collection of parameter values for a particular module (Parameter Set) can be named, described and saved to a separate parameter file.
- New modules are available, as follows: Adjustable Circadian, Climate Change Scenario, Counter, Daydegree, Event with Delay, MetManager, Discrete QueryUser, Running Mean, Storage, Switch and Weather.
- The Lifecycle module has been considerably enhanced, allowing branching of lifecycles, nested stages (Endostages), an immigration process, and many more lifestage output types.
- Graphical output has been radically redesigned, with charts being more interactive, easier to set up and more flexible in the choice of options. Limits on number of panels and series in charts have been removed.
- The ability to produce maps has been added for multiple runs using sequences that produce results across geographic regions (for example, those controlled by MetManager or DataFile sequences).
- Table output is more flexible, allowing the table format to be modified "on-the-fly". Tables from multiple runs can be sorted.
- Nested sequences and enhanced capabilities for existing sequence types have been added.
- Results for individual runs within a multiple run (including detailed tables and charts) can be obtained from the multiple run output tables.