What is ascape and why should you care?

Ascape is a framework designed to support the development, visualization, a nd exploration of agent based models. In this article I will argue that age nt modeling tools and Ascape, in particular, can contribute significantly t o the quality, creativity, and efficiency of social science simulation rese arch efforts. Ascape is examined from the perspectives of use, design, and development. While Ascape has some unique design advantages, a close examin ation should also provide potential tool users with more insight into the k inds of services and features agent modeling toolkits provide in general.