Ventana software support forum

Hi,

The concept 'simulator' is often used in modern SD literatures; however, to my knowledge, the definition of this concept has never been addressed therein. Therefore, I have two queries in need of your helps:

1) How is simulator defined under the SD tradition?

Below is a definition offered by non-system dynamicist Larry Sutton:

Simulator is defined as a device that enables the operator to represent or

reproduce under test conditions phenomena likely to occur in actual performance-

-Larry Sutton, National Interagency Fire Center

By this definition, it is still difficult to make a distinction between a

simulator and a simulation model.

2) For developing a simulator, which edition of Vensim should I apply?

Thank you very much.

Monte

There is no big distinction - from the perspective of a use a simulator is something they open and use and they are not likely to make any distinction between a model and whatever interface the model is presented in.

Chapter 12 of the User's Guide describes the development of simple model interfaces and this works very well in a variety of circumstances. All of this can be done with Vensim PLE.

Thank you very much for your kind explanation. This means all SD models can be regarded as a simulator. I myself prefer the term simulator to simulation model because it is shorter and sounds more technical. (:
Thanks again.