Getting started with SpaDES

Alex M. Chubaty

Eliot J. B. McIntire

February 16 2022

1 Introduction

SpaDES is a metapackage for implementing a variety of event-based models, with a focus on spatially explicit models. These include raster-based, event-based, and agent-based models. The core simulation components (provided by SpaDES.core) are built upon a discrete event simulation (DES; see Matloff (2011) ch 7.8.3 https://nostarch.com/artofr.htm) framework that facilitates modularity, and easily enables the user to include additional functionality by running user-built simulation modules (see also SpaDES.tools). Included are numerous tools to visualize rasters and other maps (via quickPlot), and caching methods for reproducible simulations (via reproducible). Additional functionality is provided by the SpaDES.addins and SpaDES.shiny packages (see below).

Bug reports:

Module repository: https://github.com/PredictiveEcology/SpaDES-modules

Wiki: https://github.com/PredictiveEcology/SpaDES/wiki

1.1 The SpaDES.core package:

The core discrete event simulation framework. See ?SpaDES.core::SpaDES.core, and the vignettes therein (browseVignettes()).

1.2 The SpaDES.tools package:

Additional utilities for developing ecological simulation models. See ?SpaDES.tools::SpaDES.tools.

1.3 The SpaDES.addins package:

A set of RStudio addins to assist with SpaDES module development.

1.4 The SpaDES.shiny package:

Utilities for developing and running shiny-based app interfaces to SpaDES simulations. (Note this package is still under development and is not yet available on CRAN.)

1.5 The quickPlot package:

The core SpaDES plotting engine, build upon speed and modularity.

1.6 The reproducible package:

Provides several aspects of reproducible simulations, including simulation caching.