Applying GIS and high performance agent-based simulation for managing an Old World Screwworm fly invasion of Australia

Authored by M. C. Welch, P. W. Kwan, A. S. M. Sajeev

Date Published: 2014-10

DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2014.03.021

Sponsors: No sponsors listed

Platforms: No platforms listed

Model Documentation: Other Narrative Flow charts Mathematical description

Model Code URLs: Model code not found

Abstract

Agent-based modelling has proven to be a promising approach for developing rich simulations for complex phenomena that provide decision support functions across a broad range of areas including biological, social and agricultural sciences. This paper demonstrates how high performance computing technologies, namely General-Purpose Computing on Graphics Processing Units (GPGPU), and commercial Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be applied to develop a national scale, agent-based simulation of an incursion of Old World Screwworm fly COWS fly) into the Australian mainland. The development of this simulation model leverages the combination of massively data-parallel processing capabilities supported by NVidia's Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) and the advanced spatial visualisation capabilities of GIS. These technologies have enabled the implementation of an individual-based, stochastic lifecycle and dispersal algorithm for the OWS fly invasion. The simulation model draws upon a wide range of biological data as input to stochastically determine the reproduction and survival of the OWS fly through the different stages of its lifecycle and dispersal of gravid females. Through this model, a highly efficient computational platform has been developed for studying the effectiveness' of control and mitigation strategies and their associated economic impact on livestock industries can be materialised. Copyright (C) International Atomic Energy Agency 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tags

Agent-based model Chrysomya bezziana General Purpose Graphic Processing Units Geographical Information System Old World Screwworm fly computational modelling