Shapefile-based multi-agent geosimulation and visualization of building evacuation scenario

Numerous computational tools for the simulation and design of emergency evacuation and egress are now available. Many evacuation models have been studied at different scales, from micro to macro models. To examine the problem in detail, the popular approach solicited is that of agent-based models (ABMs). ABMs take into account the heterogeneity of pedestrian behaviors and the unspecified conditions of the road network. However, the computational cost is enormous when applied to numerous evacuees. Coupled with ABM, the available Shapefile data can be used to develop simulation models to improve the analysis of spatial data and spatial processes. One such application concerns the evacuation of buildings in hazardous situations, where ABM is integrated with geographic information system (GIS) Shapefiles indoor spatial data to model humans during evacuation events and to simulate evacuation scenarios visualized in the Shapefiles. The research presented in this paper develops a multi-agent geosimulation model for building evacuation, integrating a Shapefile dataset of the case study building as input to ABM through the GAMA simulation platform. This model is intended to complement and enhance traditional approaches to building evacuation planning and management, such as earthquake and fire drills. The framework has been elaborated in such a way that it works for a wide range of scenarios, both in terms of hazards, geographical configurations, individual behaviors and crisis management. To demonstrate its adaptability, a real-life case study is presented concerning the evacuation of the Station NightClub from a fire.