Application Layer

Tools, inspectors, and interaction systems built on top of the E.D.E.N. engine.

The Application Layer is the interface between humans and the E.D.E.N. simulation engine.
It provides tools for developers, educators, researchers, and eventually players to inspect, manipulate, and interact with the world.

This layer turns simulation into experience.

Purpose

The Application Layer exists to:

  • bridge simulation and user interaction
  • provide the tools needed to explore and understand world state
  • support debugging, education, and scenario creation
  • form the foundation of future gameplay interfaces

It is where the engine becomes usable.

Core Principles

  • Usability — tools should be clear, accessible, and efficient.
  • Insight — inspectors reveal underlying world state.
  • Control — scenarios and time tools allow structured experimentation.
  • Non-Intrusion — tools never interfere with core simulation architecture.
  • Extensibility — new workflows can be added without modifying simulation logic.

System Model

Tools & Inspectors

  • field value inspectors
  • tile/edge picking tools
  • overlay configuration controls
  • data probing utilities
  • subsystem-specific inspection panels

Scenario System

Provides educational or gameplay scenarios:

  • fixed starting conditions
  • scripted sequences
  • interactive modules
  • time-based exploration

Time Tools

  • pause/resume
  • tick stepping
  • time-warp
  • scenario playback

Interaction Layer

Defines how users:

  • click on tiles
  • inspect subsystems
  • switch overlays
  • run experiments
  • interface with simulation UIs

How It Interacts With Other Systems

  • Overlays provide visual context.
  • Tick Engine drives timeline controls.
  • Subsystems expose inspection data.
  • Field System reveals state to tools.
  • Geodesic Topology enables spatial interaction.

What This Enables

  • educational lessons exploring planetary systems
  • developer debugging and subsystem tuning
  • data analysis and exploration
  • interactive scenarios
  • future gameplay UIs
  • accessible simulation for non-technical audiences

Visual Examples (Optional)

  • inspector windows
  • data probes
  • scenario panels
  • overlay toggles

Public Extensibility Notes

The E.D.E.N. SDK will eventually allow:

  • custom scenario creation
  • custom inspector panels
  • script-driven experiment modules
  • modding layers for future gameplay

The Application Layer is designed for controlled expansion.

Related Topics