Visualization and Simulation: Two Sides of the Same Coin?

Abstract

Visual simulation is a stepping-stone towards the integration of simulation and visualization. The design and analysis of a visual simulation system CLINSIM, which models a clinic process in a hos pital is described. Analyzing such a system can lead to insights into the nature of the interrela tionship between simulation and visualization. In this article, this visual simulation example clari fies the nature of the difference between visualiza tion and simulation. Several possible roles of visu alization technology have been identified in order to strengthen the power of a simulation system. By incorporating visualization techniques into traditional simulation systems, one can expect that users and analysts will benefit from better- informed simulation models across the real and virtual worlds.