Pathsim is an open-systems, object-oriented simulation that is built upon a Geographic Information System (GIS) called Pathways. Features of the simulation include:
- Desktop mission-based analysis tool
- Special capabilities for analysis of future technologies
- Build conceptual systems from lower-level objects
- Rapid modification of system parameters
- Interpretive language
- Integrated visualization tools
- Standard terrain formats (USGS, NIMA, other)
- World-wide database
- Automatic use of highest resolution terrain (unless gated)
- Automatically mosaics data files
Pathsim is designed for use by an analyst who is not specially trained. To achieve this goal, Pathways is equipped with a user interface that leads the analyst through the workflow. The high level process steps are:
- Select terrain in which the scenario takes place
- Select or build weather conditions in that terrain
- Select or create a scenario
- Run the simulation, changing system parameters as needed
- Analyze results
 In addition to data such as detections, kills, shots by system and by system type, a series of GIF images are output. These may be assembled into an animated GIF for post-processing.
Terrain is selected by zooming in on a world map and marking the simulation area corner points. The system indicates what data is available for the area and its resolution. The current database is about 20 gigabytes and includes elevation data for the United States at 30 and (some) 10 meter resolution, significant NIMA 100 meter data for world hot spots, 1 kilometer data for the entire world and 5 kilometer bathymetry data.
Pathsim treats weather as a separate simulation computed off-line. The system uses weather reports from discrete stations to compute weather over time at any location using a Voronoi algorithm. Clouds can be created with varying bases, heights, shapes, and extinction coefficients. These move across the terrain and change shape (morph) over time as directed. The analyst must create a simulation scenario. A graphical tool with the current terrain and available simulated systems provides the means. The user is assisted in all actions by a "help" window in the upper right corner of the screen. This help window changes depending on the action that the user is taking.
 To set up a path for a new system, the user simply clicks on the platform object. This launches a sub-window where the user may select items such as sensors on the platform and weapons on the platform. In general, one may associate a number of sub-objects with each platform object. The user then places the object on the map and gives it a plan, varying speed and other platform actions with the plan generator. The user may attach a sensor platform object to a C2 node, thereby invoking C2 attributes such as communications, weapons linkages,and cueing.
Features:
- Object-oriented simulation optimized for analyses of new systems
- Up to 10 sides
- Digital terrain
- Engineering models for systems such as small water craft
- C2 module
- Communications module
- Powerful scripting language
- Open Systems license
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