Cellular Automata in Evacuation Modelling
Aim: Presentation and discourse of issues associated with cellular automata models used in evacuation modelling software and accompanying events. Introduction: Security in buildings and construction works covers many issues. One of these addresses the matter of ensuring a process for the safe evacuation of endangered buildings. Specialized simulation software for approximation of real events, which prevail during an evacuation, was used in calculations. Such software also allows for the estimation of evacuation time. Evacuation time calculations are performed according to specific algorithms and models. This paper reveals the potential use of one branch of computer science, namely cellular automata, to design models, which facilitate the mapping of evacuations. At the outset it was necessary to make essential assumptions for a proper construction of the model. These were followed by the development of models using cellular automata. The authors described the model imperfections and problems, which can occur during implementation of algorithms based on cellular automata. Material revealed by the study shows in a synthetic way the elements, which can be used to build evacuation modelling programmes using cellular automata. One of the most important models in this area is known as Floor Field. This model is exposed to continuous modifications and improvements. The use of cellular automata allows for the modelling of evacuations using much less computational resources than in the case of agent models or Social Force and the accuracy of calculations is comparable. Understanding the properties of cellular automata is of great importance for the correct mapping of the evacuation process when using such models. Methodology: Review of publications and analysis of individual models. Conclusions: An analysis of literature reveals advances made in the development of models during recent years. It is revealed that simple models based on cellular automata have low computational complexity, which permits the modelling of evacuation for a large group of people with low computing power. A properly validated model can be used to estimate the time to evacuate people from buildings and construction works with great accuracy.