Starting with version 4, APSIM comes with a user interface that lets users configure simulations using a drag and drop paradigm. This interface, unlike APSFront, provides complete access to all APSIM parameters and supports multiple point simulations.
When first started (by double clicking the ApsimUI icon from the Apsim icon on your desktop), the interface shows toolbar at the top and a toolbar at the bottom and two empty panes in between.
To create a simulation, click New and select a simulation that is
closest to the type of simulation you want to build.
This list of default simulations will be expanded over time. In fact, you can add your own default simulations to this list allowing you to reuse common simulations.
Simulation Configuration TreeProperties for selected component (clock)
The tree control on the left shows the components that make up the APSIM simulation (Simulation Tree). Clicking on a component will show the properties for that component on the right. The picture above shows the clock component selected with it's properties on the right.
It is recommended that users work their way from top to bottom in the simulation tree, checking each component's properties. Components can be renamed by selecting them, pausing for a second and then clicking again. Components may be deleted from the simulation tree by selecting the component and pressing delete. They can also be renamed or deleted by right mouse clicking on them and selecting "Rename" or "Delete". Remember though that deleting or renaming components usually has implications for other components. For example, deleting a crop usually means the management of that crop (e.g. sow, harvest etc), under the Manager component, needs to be changed as well.
Note that you can change the order of components in the tree. You do this by right mouse clicking on the component and clicking Move Up or Move Down or you can hold down the Ctrl key and use the up and down arrow. The order of the components is not usually important it is merely cosmetic. The only exception is the order under the Manager component.
To add components to a simulation tree, click the Standard button on the toolbar at the bottom of the window. This will show the standard toolbox containing many components and simulation entities that can be dragged onto the simulation tree.
A toolbox is a collection of reusable simulation components. By default there are many in the standard toolbox that cover a lot of the standard functionality required. The onus, though, is very much on the user to know which combinations of components work together. It is not expected that first time users will know which components work together. The recommendation is to start with a pre-built simulation and modify it, rather than starting from scratch. If in doubt, contact the APSIM Google Group.