Modeling spatial environment for large-scale agent-based epidemic prediction and control

Spatial environment is a fundamental concept of agent-based modeling and simulation (ABMS), in which agents exist and interact, can perceive and act. Common spatial environment in ABMS is considered as a physical space (typically a 2D grid) or as a virtual space that supports agent-to-agent interaction. However, in large-scale agent-based epidemiology research, vector Geographic Information System (GIS) based spatial environment is more popular. This paper introduces a new concept of `Physical Container' to represent the static spatial environment where agents stay. Movable physical container is also introduced as a concept in the research to model transport vehicles. To show how the novel designs in the physical container behave, this paper conducted several simulation studies and the results certified that the new concepts can greatly ease the model development work and increase the model efficiency during simulation run.