JAMSIM: a Microsimulation Modelling Policy Tool

JAMSIM (JAva MicroSIMulation) is an innovative synthesis of open source packages that provides an environment and set of features for the creation of dynamic discrete-time microsimulation models that are to be executed, manipulated and interrogated by non-technical, policy-oriented users. Combining the leading open source statistical package R and one of the foremost agent-based modelling (ABM) graphical tools Ascape, JAMSIM is available as an open source tool, for public reuse and modification. Here we describe microsimulation, our functional requirements, a review of tools used by other micro-simulators and an evaluation of existing software, followed by the architecture, features and use of JAMSIM.