Cellular automata models

Cellular automata models and agents models are similar enough that the terms are often used interchangeably. In most cellular automata models the present state of a cell in a matrix was determined by the state of cells surrounding it, whereas in an agents model, the cells are "occupied" by agents that interact with each other - even at a distance - and sometimes interact with the attributes of the cells in which they exist. Further they may move from cell to cell. Both cellular automata models and agent models have computer-generated items that interact with one another according to a set of behavioral rules. The spaces or cells in which the agents are placed may also contain rules. The interactions give insights into what may happen in the “real” world and give rise to questions that lead to greater insight into the dynamics of change.