XU Shan

ABSTRACT

Virtual geographic environment (VGE) is a new research direction that derives from GIS and virtual reality. It is a virtual, 3D environment, providing avatar-based users with a shared space and a platform for collaboration. Among legion techniques, Agent is a wholly new distributed computing technology that is different from other traditional techniques. The characteristics of agents such as activity, move ability, and intelligence provide brand-new idea for system design, and moreover make the system become stronger.
Based on the VGE theory and agent technology, this paper explored an intelligent simulation system within VGE combined with Java and VRML. It designed and realized the system using Java technolody, and taking SARS spread model as an application example.
Combined with the SARS model, the paper brought forward the structure of the intelligent simulation system. The system is divided into three parts: viewer module, VGE module and Agent module. A prototype system was designed and developed, and a rudimental experiment of SARS transmission model simulation was implemented. The simulation of SARS spread and evolvement in the distribution of space-time can improve people’s cognitions of epidemic, test protection measures, and support scientific decision-making for governments.

KEY WORDS: Virtual Geographic Environment, Agent, SARS, GIS, Java, VRML