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Simulate movement data from continuous-time movement models

Source: R/fct_sims.R
simulating_data.Rd

Generates simulated animal movement tracks based on continuous-time movement models using ctmm::simulate(). Supports both single-group and grouped simulations, as determined by study design and data parameters. Used within the movedesign application workflows to create synthetic data for simulation studies and to evaluate study design.

Usage

simulating_data(rv, seed)

Arguments

rv

A reactiveValues object with all simulation inputs:

  • dur A list with elements value and unit (e.g., list(value = 2, unit = "months")), for the study's maximum duration. unit must be either "second", "minute", "hour", "day", "month", or "year".

  • dti A list with elements value and unit (e.g., list(value = 1, unit = "day")), specifying the intended sampling interval between relocations. unit must be either "second", "minute", "hour", "day", "month", or "year".

  • data_type: Character, data source that informs the simulations.

  • add_ind_var: Logical; if TRUE, draws parameters from population distribution for each new individual.

  • modList: List of fitted models.

  • meanfitList: List of mean models for individual variation.

  • grouped: Logical; if TRUE, simulates from two groups.

  • which_meta: Character vector; analytical target.

  • tau_p, tau_v, sigma, mu: Lists of movement parameters.

seed

Integer for random number generator, ensuring reproducibility.

Value

A list of simulated movement datasets:

  • If grouped = FALSE, a list with a single simulated track.

  • If grouped = TRUE, a list with two tracks (from groups A and B).

Details

This function simulates animal movement tracks based on the selected mode and design settings. It first constructs a time sequence using the specified duration and interval. Depending on the simulation mode (data_type), it either retrieves movement models from modList (for simulated data) or uses meanfitList or raw movement parameters to build models (for uploaded or selected data). If a group comparison is requested, models are prepared for both groups. Tracks are then simulated using ctmm::simulate() and subsequently pseudonymized.

Note

This function is intended for internal use and may assume inputs follow specific structure and constraints not referenced explicitly.