PortSim - A port security simulation and visualization tool

Around the world, there is great concern about the movement of threat materials using seaport shipping containers. The benefit of early detection of weapons of mass destruction is obvious. However, the inspection process needs to be conducted in such a way as to not unreasonably impede normal commerce. Prior to actual deployment of new detection systems, policies, or procedures, it is useful to construct an operational and cost model of the port facility and to run simulations to gage the impact. Using a simulation model beforehand aids decision makers in evaluating trade-offs. PortSim was developed at ORNL by the author to allow a user to investigate a number of parameters in order to see the impact on port operations and cost. It consolidates a conceptual operations model, cost information, policy and procedures database, a real-time data acquisition capability, and information flow tracking and provides a visualization of port operations in a geospatial environment. This paper describes the use of PortSim to simulate and visualize a typical port.