P-SAM: a post-simulation analysis module for agent-based models

Agent-Based Models (ABMs) can produce large volumes of textual output, often in the range of hundreds of gigabytes. To understand the simulation results and patterns exhibited by ABMs, it is crucial to be able to analyze this voluminous output, and to produce the desired visualization. In this paper, we describe a software module, called P-SAM (Post-Simulation Analysis Module), developed for post-simulation output analysis and visualization. As a case study, we describe its application to a biological simulation model. The P-SAM architecture and its major strengths are discussed. We also describe its performance improvements, achieved iteratively over three phases. We conclude with future directions to generalize PSAM for other biological simulations.