Development of a Computer Simulation to Model Traffic Flow in Hampton Roads

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Development of a Computer Simulation to Model
Traffic Flow in Hampton Roads

• Taylor Frith
• CS 410 - Fall 1998

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Introduction to Simulations

• Major application area in computer programming
• Model behavior of natural and human-made systems
• Generate statistics that summarize the
  performance of an existing system
• Predict the performance of a proposed system.
• Predict long-term behavior of a system
• Evaluate proposed changes to the real-world
  system.

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Traffic Flow Simulation Model

• Model will analyze local traffic flows
• Predict the effect of mixing different traffic
  flows (cars, trucks and buses)
• Study what affect different parameters will have
  on traffic flow and congestion
• Study traffic congestion and vehicle propagation
  effects

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Can it be Done?

• Can a Computer Simulation be developed that will
  accurately Model Traffic Flow in Hampton Roads or
  any major city?
• Examples..

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Can it be Done?

• RAPTOR - Rapid Availability Prototyping for
  Testing Operational Readiness
• ASAP - The Architecture Simulation and Analysis
  Platform
• MARS - Multi-Warfare Analysis and Research System
  
• Container Operations Simulation, Singapore
• BDASIM - Battle Damage Assessment Simulation
• Port Simulation
• Railroad Simulation Model by SIMRAIL
• The Aircraft/Air Traffic Management Functional
  Analysis Model (FAM)

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Can it be done with existing technology
You need data on traffic in Hampton Roads..

• Road Sensor data for tracking traffic speeds
• VDOT will install road sensors for all major
  highways in the Hampton Roads region.
• Television camera system
• VDOT transportation studies
• Network technology exists to interface the
  simulation with existing traffic management
  systems

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Can it be done with existing technology

• Computer Simulation Tools..

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Computer Simulation Tools
SIMSCRIPT - Computer Simulation Language

• Builds accurate, large-scale simulations
• English-like simulation language
• General-purpose programming language

MODSIM III - Simulation Programming Language

• Complete Development Environment
• Built-in Simulation Capabilities
• Successfully used
• Provides access to C libraries.
• Support for multiple computer platforms

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Should it be Done?

• Can this simulation have a positive impact on
  society?

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Traffic Flow Simulation Model
Major Goals

• Reduce traffic congestion
• Identify potential bottlenecks into 21st century
• Test proposed solutions to traffic problems
• Provide solutions to traffic problems without
  extensive studies
• Reduce the number of accidents and deaths

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Traffic Flow Simulation Model

• Test alternative traffic congestion solutions
• Manage and study anomalous situations (e.g.
  roadwork)
• Plan the location of car parking lots and garages
• Predict pollution levels
• Make decisions on building new highways, bridges
  and tunnels
• Identify potential bottlenecks
• Analyze and improve Evacuation Routes

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Local Experts Available?

• Are local experts available to assist in
  implementing a traffic flow simulation?

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Local Experts
VDOT - Virginia Dept of Transportation

• Transportation Contact Directory
• Free Publications
• Multiple Contact Links on web site at
  http//www.vdot.state.va.us/
• VDOT INFORMATION CONTACTS
• Richmond
• Local - Suffolk District covers entire Hampton
  Roads Area

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Local Experts
JTASC - Joint Training, Analysis Simulation
Center

• DoD command center for the development of
  military simulation technology
• Knowledgeable in Leading-Edge simulation
  technologies
• Advanced computer labs

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Local Experts
VMASC - Virginia Modeling, Analysis Simulation
Center

• Transfers new simulation technology from DoD to
  civilian organizations
• Promotes commercial development of computer
  simulation technology
• Administered by the College of Engineering and
  Technology at ODU
• Run by ODU faculty and students

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Can it be completed in 2 semesters?

• Simulation technology and tools exists to do it
• Local experts are available
• Hampton Roads traffic data is available from VDOT

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For more info...

• Email frith_at_cs.odu.edu