ILCYM transformed into Shiny platform

The Insect Life Cycle Modeling software (ILCYM) assists in the development of phenology models. It also provides analytical tools for studying pest population ecology. The software consists of three modules. The "model builder" facilitates the development of insect phenology models based on experimental temperature-dependent life-table data of a specific pest. The ‘Validation and simulation module’ provides tools for validating the developed phenology model using insect life-tables established at fluctuating temperature conditions. It also provides tools for deterministic and stochastic simulations. The ‘Potential population distribution and risk mapping module’ implements the phenology model in a GIS environment and allows for spatial - global or regional - simulation of pest establishment, population growth and activity ("pest risk mapping"). In comparison to other generic pest risk modeling tools ILCYM allows a better biological understanding and a higher modeling precision using different climatic input data (global, regional, or from local weather stations. Other applications of the software include assessment of climate change impacts. Recently, a virus transmission model has been developed which will be integrated in the software. On a data and software engineering level, ILCYM is an example of open source tools using ‘big’ spatial data sets in combination with traditional entomological tools. The current version builds on two main open source platforms: R for all calculations and Java/Udig for building the interface. However, we are transitioning to a version that will use R also for building the user interface. This reduces complexity and facilitate its use by researchers and students using advanced modeling techniques.