Feature overview

In this page you can find a summary of the feature of the MSP Challenge Simulation Platform and the several ways you can use it.

The platform has a client-server architecture. We first explain the main features of the client software, then we explain key functionalities / interfaces of the server.

Client

Analyze various data layers

Get an idea of the current status in a sea basin by reviewing real geodata obtained through GIS sources such as EMODnet and Copernicus. Find more information through our Knowledge Base.

Explore potential consequences

See the positive and negative impacts (in a system dynamics sense) between different aspects, e.g. an increase in noise (a 'positive' effect) or a decrease in fishing (a 'negative' effect) resulting from a wind farm.

Change or draw up new spatial plans

Besides or instead of existing plans and activities in the marine region. Restrictions can be set to provide feedback on overlapping types of geometry, and block or warn the user from performing undesired actions. Plans developed and implemented by the users generate layer type dependent levels of impact on the simulation models. Every change matters and alters the state of the sea basin, be it on the ecology, ship intensity, or energy production.

Share and collaborate

Define and refine your spatial plans before implementing them. Players must communicate to keep their sea basin in optimal shape while communally improving on human activities.

Simulate and evaluate

Three (or more) simulations calculating e.g. Ship Traffic, Energy Production Capacity, and Ecosystem Dynamics can be connected to the sea basins, measuring cumulative impacts throughout the area. Models calculate the latest state every month of in-game time, creating a continuous simulation of the current state of the sea basin. Plans impact cross-boundary shipping and ecology, capable of disrupting an entire sea basin.

Dig deeper and try again

KPIs provide insight in the core values representing Shipping, Ecology, and Energy to gain insight in the constantly changing state of the sea basin. Use the objectives monitor to compare indicators with the plans created through the game session, and to view the objectives set for all teams in the game session. Impacts not exactly what you were looking for? Then try again, make new plans!

Server

Integrate and review dozens of data layers

From relevant external GIS sources such as EMODnet or Copernicus.

Geoserver		Layers
The MSP Challenge Simulation Platform utilizes a GeoServer to manage all GeoData retrieved from official GIS sources. The MSP Geoserver can be used, however, it is also possible to set up your own GeoServer for self-distributed data.		Data layers are the core content of the MSP Challenge Simulation Platform, allowing users to interact with the environment as desired. These layers can be controlled via configurations, and interacted with via the MSP Challenge Client.

Server Manager

To add or remove sessions, simultaneously control and gain insight from multiple sessions and determine the duration of a session.

Server Browser		Session Setup
Use the server browser to view all active sessions. This contains up to date information about the state, as well as info on the setup of the sessions. The server manager allows for multiple sessions to be active on a single server machine.		New sessions can be started via the session manager, allowing the game manager to select configurations to use, session names, passwords, and many other settings.

Configuration control

As configurations form the base of any session, these can be used to set rules, and manage layers used during the session.

Config Editor		Config Management
The config editor allows game managers to customize a pre-developed set of configurations to their own liking. Configurations determine amongst others the active layers, interactivity, visualizations, restrictions, and impacts on simulation models.		Via the server manager, multiple configuration files can be added and maintained, allowing game managers to run multiple sessions with varying configurations, updating the desired configuration with feedback from every session they manage.

For in-depth information on these features, have a look at our video tutorials, or simply try out our online demo.