Verifying agent-based models with steady-state analysis

Agent-based modeling has been well received in the simulation community. Complex systems are simulated by many autonomous agents whose behavior is defined by a conceptual model. However, the model can be improperly implemented or misinterpreted resulting in an implementation that does not reflect the conceptual rules. It is imperative that the implementation’s function be tested against the model’s expected outcome. In this paper, we present certain steady-state techniques that can be used to verify the operation of agent-based simulations. These methods are introduced and then applied to an ecological model which simulates reproductive dynamics of mosquitoes.