Setting Waiting Location parameters
The next procedure is concerned with the portion of the ‘Edit Delay Point’ dialog box labelled 'Waiting Location'. These parameters combine with the Dispersal Points to determine the distribution of Entities in the area of the Delay Point: basically they define where people choose to wait until they move on to another target.
The parameters you need to set are concerned with Decision, Dispersion and Factor.
- Decision
This refers to how each delayed Entity will try to reach the point where it wants to wait. This decision is based on one of these three considerations:
- Distance–an Entity will not come to rest until it has reached its desired waiting point.
- Time–an Entity will estimate the time it will take to get to its desired waiting point at its preferred speed. It will then allow itself that much time to reach its waiting point and will stop when the time runs out.
- Time and Distance–this is similar to the Distance option but applies a user-specified Maximum time.
- Dispersion
This refers to how delayed Entities attempt to distribute themselves between the point where they entered the area of the Delay Point and the Dispersal Point they are heading for.
- The Linear function
has an associated Factor setting
A Factor value of 1 distributes Entities in a uniform pattern along a line from their point of entry to their FDP; a Factor of 100 distributes Entities closer to the FDP; a Factor of 0.001 distributes Entities closer to their point of entry.
- The Boltzmann function
has an associated Ratio setting
The ratio skews the distribution of Entities according to the formula: 1:x, where x is a number you define.
- The Linear function
has an associated Factor setting
To set Waiting Location parameters:
- Select one of the three options from the Decision drop-down menu:
- Select an option from the Dispersion drop-down menu:
- Depending on the Dispersal method you selected, enter a Factor value or a Ratio value.
- Click on the Additional Parameters tab and see the following procedure.
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In the 'Link Options' area, select one of these two options:
If you select 'Specify link', click on the 'Links' tab and add your target objects manually following the steps in Linking methods ).
- If you need to test your model against required regulatory flow rates you may wish to set a maximum value for 'Flow Rate Limiting'. To do so, check the box Maximum and enter a value for people/minute in the adjacent field.