def __init__(self, **args):

        # Call the superclass constructor
        super(SOMTestAgent, self).__init__(**args)

        # instantiate a SOM
        self.som = SOM()

        # intialize SOM training
        N = SOMTestEnvironment.num_samples_per_distr * 5
        self.som.init_training(radius_0=max(self.som.xdim, self.som.ydim),
                               training_length=N)

        # instantiate a Growing Neural Gas
        self.gng = EquilibriumGNG()