The simulation module supports use of multiple simulation map windows, which is useful when animating multiple outputs. New simulation maps can be added via the Simulations Map – Simulations – New Simulation Map Window menu option. Each simulation map window is associated with a particular alternative in the simulation – alternative tree. This association allows EFMSim to know which simulation results to access for animation and reporting purposes. The association between a simulation map window and the simulation – alternative tree is made and changed by clicking on the map window to associate and then right clicking on the desired simulation – alternative node and selecting the Set Map menu option. Multiple map windows can be updated at the same time by right clicking on the desired simulation – alternative node and selecting the Set All Maps menu option.
The selection to be animated is set in the Properties interface, which is opened by right clicking on Layer Selection – Animation and selecting Properties… The Properties interface allows the user to choose which simulation results or data/variables to animate. There are many options (Figure). The Simulation dropdown allows choice of whether to view results for a standard simulation – alternative or as part of a sensitivity bundle. The Community dropdown allows choice of community or community - class. The right handset or radio buttons allows choice of model variable – size, density, or rule action, stresses – total or per rule, attraction layers – aggregations or per rule, consumption – total or per rule, and roads – total or per road type.
Figure. The Properties interface lets the user pick what to animate.
Additionally, project units can be animated by turning on the Display Size as a Project Unit checkbox option, using the corresponding dropdown list to select the desired project unit, and selecting model variable – size. Gradients can be selected for animation by turning on the View Gradients for Attractions checkbox option. Boundary conditions can be selected for animation by turning on the Display Boundary Conditions, which enables viewing of outmigration.
Data and variables can be selected for animation by turning on the Data/Variable option and using the corresponding dropdown list to select the desired data set or variable. The Properties interface also includes symbology controls. Color ramps, tick intervals, and contour limits can be specified.
After the simulation map is associated with an alternative and a selection to animate has been made, animations are initiated by clicking the View Animation button located below the simulation – alternative tree (Figure). The Animations Controls interface has standard button controls for jump to start, go back a time step, pause, stop, play, play at the fast forward play interval, go forward a time step, and jump to end. The Animations Controls – Settings menu allows users to control play speed, fast forward play interval, and date range.
Figure. Animations show how the selected subject changes spatially and temporally.