NetLogo

Category Cross-Omics>Agent-Based Modeling/Simulation/Tools

Abstract NetLogo is a programmable modeling environment for simulating natural and social phenomena.

It was authored by Uri Wilensky in 1999 and is in continuous development at the Center for Connected Learning and Computer- Based Modeling.

NetLogo is particularly well suited for modeling complex systems developing over time. Modelers can give instructions to hundreds or thousands of "agents" all operating independently.

This makes it possible to explore the connection between the micro- level behavior of individuals and the ‘macro-level patterns’ that emerge from the interaction of many individuals.

NetLogo lets students open simulations and "play" with them, exploring their behavior under various conditions. It is also an authoring environment which enables students, teachers and curriculum developers to create their own models.

NetLogo is simple enough that students and teachers can easily run simulations or even build their own. And, it is advanced enough to serve as an advanced tool for researchers in many fields.

NetLogo has extensive documentation and tutorials. It also comes with a Models Library, which is a large collection of ‘pre-written simulations’ that can be used and modified.

These simulations address many content areas in the natural and social sciences, including 'biology and medicine', physics and chemistry, mathematics and computer science, and economics and social psychology.

Several model-based inquiry curricula using NetLogo are currently under development.

NetLogo can also power a classroom participatory-simulation tool called HubNet. Through the use of networked computers or handheld devices such as Texas Instruments graphing calculators, each student can control an agent in a simulation.

NetLogo is the 'next generation' of the series of ‘multi-agent modeling’ languages that started with StarLogo.

It builds off the functionality of the product StarLogoT and adds significant new features and a redesigned language and user interface.

NetLogo is written in Java so it can run on all major platforms (Mac, Windows, Linux, et al).

It is run as a standalone application. Models can be run as Java applets inside a web browser.

NetLogo features/capabilities include:

1) System -

• a) Cross-platform: runs on Mac, Windows, Linux, et al.

2) Language -

• a) Fully programmable;
• b) Simple language structure;
• c) Language is Logo dialect extended to support agents;
• d) Mobile agents (turtles) move over a grid of stationary agents (patches);
• e) Create links between turtles to make aggregates, networks, and graphs;
• f) Large vocabulary of built-in language primitives;
• g) Double precision floating point math (IEEE 754).
• h) Runs are exactly reproducible cross-platform.

3) Environment -

• a) View your model in either 2D or 3D;
• b) Scalable and rotatable vector shapes;
• c) Turtle and patch labels;
• d) Command center for on-the-fly interaction;
• e) Interface builder w/ buttons, sliders, switches, choosers, monitors, text boxes, notes, output area;
• f) Speed slider lets you fast forward your model or see it in slow motion;
• g) Advanced and flexible plotting system;
• h) Info tab for annotating your model;
• i) HubNet: participatory simulations using networked devices;
• j) Agent monitors for inspecting and controlling agents;
• k) Export and import functions (export data, save and restore state of model, make a movie);
• l) BehaviorSpace tool used to collect data from multiple runs of a model;
• m) System Dynamics Modeler.

4) Web -

• a) Models can be saved as applets to be embedded in web pages.

Note: Some features are Not available from applets, such as some extensions and the 3D view.

NetLogo Case Study/Publication --

The authors of the publication (see below...) developed a multi-cell agent- based model (ABM) of human adipose-derived stromal cells (hASC) trafficking during acute skeletal muscle ischemia, based on over 150 literature-based rules instituted in Netlogo and MATLAB software programs.

Publication: Bailey AM, Lawrence MB, Shang H, Katz AJ, Peirce SM (2009) Agent-Based Model of Therapeutic Adipose-Derived Stromal Cell Trafficking during Ischemia Predicts Ability To Roll on P-Selectin. PLoS Comput Biol 5(2): e1000294. doi:10.1371/journal.pcbi.1000294

System Requirements

NetLogo is written in Java so it can run on all major platforms (Mac, Windows, Linux, et al).

Manufacturer

• Center for Connected Learning and Computer-Based Modeling
• Northwestern University
• Annenberg Hall 223
• 2120 Campus Drive
• Evanston, IL 60208
• USA
• Tel: 847-467-7329
• Fax: 847-491-8999
• E-mail: feedback@ccl.northwestern.edu

Manufacturer Web Site NetLogo

Price Contact manufacturer.

G6G Abstract Number 20449

G6G Manufacturer Number 104077