Graphical Interfaces for Network Modeling: A Model Management System Perspective

This paper develops, based on the requirements of model management systems, the characteristics of a PC-based, graphical interface for networks which supports all phases of minimum cost flow network model development. The unique characteristics provided by such an interface include: 1) a nonmathematical environment for building network models via direct manipulation of model-specific, rule-based, arc-node icons, 2) the simultaneous display of multiple model views with instantaneous and transparent update of these views, 3) the functional power of modern algebraic modeling languages, and 4) an integrated, pictorial display of model structure, instantiating data and optimal flows for one or more related model instances. In addition, the paper describes a prototype implementation of such an interface. This prototype demonstrates how such a graphical interface system could change the way decision makers and model builders utilize optimization-based decision support models in a microcomputer environment.

INFORMS Journal on Computing, ISSN 1091-9856, was published as ORSA Journal on Computing from 1989 to 1995 under ISSN 0899-1499.