You now have solid NetLogo skills. Here’s how to continue developing as a modeler.
Advanced NetLogo Features¶
Extensions for specialized modeling:
- Network Extension: Advanced social network analysis
- GIS Extension: Real geographic data and spatial analysis
- R Extension: Integration with statistical analysis
- Web Extension: Online experiments and data collection
Advanced programming techniques:
- Breeds and inheritance: Different types of agents with shared behaviors
- Lists and tables: Complex data structures for agent memory
- File I/O: Reading real-world data into models
- Behaviorspace automation: Large-scale systematic experiments
Related Tools and Platforms¶
Other agent-based modeling platforms:
- Mesa (Python): Code-based modeling with Python libraries
- MASON (Java): High-performance modeling for large systems
- Anylogic: Commercial platform with GUI design tools
- Repast: Research-focused platform with advanced features
Complementary skills:
- Statistical analysis: R, Python, or SPSS for data analysis
- Network analysis: Gephi, igraph, NetworkX for social networks
- GIS: QGIS or ArcGIS for spatial modeling
- Data visualization: Tableau, D3.js, or ggplot2 for presenting results
Research and Learning Resources¶
Essential readings:
- “Think Complexity” by Allen Downey: Complexity science fundamentals
- “Agent-Based Models” by Nigel Gilbert: Social science applications
- NetLogo User Manual: Complete reference for all features
- Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation: Current research
Online communities:
- NetLogo Users Group: Active mailing list for questions and discussions
- Complexity Explorer: Free courses on complexity science
- CoMSES (Computational Model Library): Repository of published models
Final Project Ideas¶
Choose a project that excites you:
Social phenomena:
- How do rumors spread through social media?
- What factors determine neighborhood gentrification?
- How do social movements grow and decline?
Economic systems:
- How do markets form and evolve?
- What causes wealth inequality to persist?
- How do innovations diffuse through industries?
Environmental issues:
- How do communities respond to climate change?
- What determines success of conservation efforts?
- How do urban planning decisions affect sustainability?
Organizational behavior:
- How do teams coordinate complex projects?
- What makes some organizations more innovative?
- How do company cultures spread and change?