In: Hahn, W; Lehmann, A.: 9th European Simulation Symposium (ESS '97), pages 286-290. October 1997.
Abstract: A new modelling technique based on cellular automata and Petri nets is presented in this article. The modelling of ecological systems by cellular automata is extended by describing the cell's behaviour by Petri nets. Thus, a formal system design becomes possible where graphical symbols are used for the description of states resp. state changes. Moreover, Petri nets allow an event-based modelling with asynchronous state changes such that asynchronous steps of cells can occur within one synchronous time phase of the automaton.
This approach makes it possible to define a large class of individual-oriented models in a more abstract and formal manner than it can be done by computer simulation programs. Besides that, the graphical representation allows to visualize interactions and dependencies within the model, and the layered structure of the cellular automaton supports the modeller in the design of a structured model.
Keywords: cellular automata; hierarchy; ecology.