Simulation conceptual modeling is a critical step in simulation development frequently overlooked in the rush to demonstrate program progress. A simulation conceptual model is an abstraction from either the existing or a notional physical world that serves as a frame of reference for further simulation development by documenting simulation-independent views of important entities and their key actions and interactions. A simulation conceptual model describes what the simulation will represent, the assumptions limiting those representations, and other capabilities needed to satisfy the stakeholder’s requirements. It bridges between these requirements, and simulation design.

This tutorial will present the theory and application of simulation conceptual modeling as documented during the research done by the NATO MSG 058. In addition, Use Cases that have been drawn from previous conference presentations will be presented to illustrate how conceptual modeling has been performed. Additional work is necessary to mature the state-of-the-art of simulation conceptual modeling before a recommended practices guide could be standardized. This tutorial has been created to continue the maturation of the simulation conceptual modeling best practices.