Teaming discrete-event simulation and geographic information systems to solve a temporal/spatial business problem

Although discrete-event simulation has pedagogically been rooted in computer science, and the practicality of geographic information systems in geography, the combined use of both in the business world allows solving some very challenging temporal/spatial (time and space dependent) business problems. The discrete-event simulation language WebGPSS, an ideal simulation environment for the business person, is teamed with Microsoft MapPoint, a GIS (geographic information system) designed to bring powerful mapping and analysis techniques to corporate office desktops. The result is the ability to solve innovative business strategy problems before implementing them in the real world. This paper focuses on one such problem by using WebGPSS to drive a simulation that provides geographic data for display by MapPoint, and ultimately map animations showing spatial and temporal business changes.