Simulation Software for Traffic Engineering

Though there are lots of software available for traffic simulation, but they have their own limitations and advantages.

PTV Vissim:

PTV Vissim is a powerful commercial microscopic traffic simulation software. It is crucial for traffic engineers and urban planners to model and analyze complex traffic scenarios. Vissim allows users to simulate detailed interactions between vehicles and pedestrians at intersections and networks. Its importance lies in its ability to optimize traffic flow, signal timings, and design of transportation systems, aiding in traffic management and infrastructure planning.

Programming Language: Vissim uses a proprietary scripting language called COM-interface and can be extended with the Python programming language.

Perspective: Vissim is used for microscopic traffic simulation. It’s valuable for analyzing detailed vehicle and pedestrian interactions at the intersection and network levels.

If you like to discuss about ifferent topic in Traffic Engineering then you can join in the group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3327213677401553

SUMO (Simulation of Urban Mobility):

SUMO is an open-source microscopic traffic simulator used for modeling and analyzing large-scale traffic networks. It is essential for researchers, city planners, and traffic management agencies. SUMO helps in assessing traffic control strategies, testing autonomous vehicle algorithms, and understanding the impact of transportation policies, making it a valuable tool for urban mobility studies.

Programming Language: SUMO is primarily developed using C++ and offers Python and TraCI (Traffic Control Interface) for scripting and interfacing.

Perspective: SUMO is an open-source microscopic traffic simulator designed for simulating large-scale traffic scenarios. It’s suitable for research, traffic management, and mobility studies.

MATSim (Multi-Agent Transport Simulation):

SUMO is an open-source microscopic traffic simulator used for modeling and analyzing large-scale traffic networks. It is essential for researchers, city planners, and traffic management agencies. SUMO helps in assessing traffic control strategies, testing autonomous vehicle algorithms, and understanding the impact of transportation policies, making it a valuable tool for urban mobility studies.

Programming Language: MATSim is written in Java and can be extended using Java programming.

Perspective: MATSim is used for simulating multi-agent traffic and transportation systems. It’s useful for modeling individual travelers’ decision-making in a transportation network.

Matlab/Simulink:

Matlab and Simulink provide a versatile environment for various domains, including traffic control and transportation. Their importance lies in their broad applicability. They are used for modeling and simulating control systems, developing traffic signal timing, and evaluating various dynamic systems within the context of traffic simulation.

Programming Language: Matlab/Simulink uses a proprietary scripting language that is a combination of MATLAB and Simulink’s graphical modeling interface.

Perspective: Matlab/Simulink can be used for a wide range of purposes, including traffic control, control systems design, and modeling various dynamic systems.

PreScan:

Matlab and Simulink provide a versatile environment for various domains, including traffic control and transportation. Their importance lies in their broad applicability. They are used for modeling and simulating control systems, developing traffic signal timing, and evaluating various dynamic systems within the context of traffic simulation.

Programming Language: PreScan is a simulation platform used for the development and testing of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Vehicles. It often uses a combination of C/C++, Python, and Simulink for developing and integrating models.

Perspective: PreScan is primarily focused on the automotive industry and is used for simulating and testing autonomous driving systems.

Aimsun:

Aimsun is a commercial software for microscopic and mesoscopic traffic modeling and simulation. It is crucial for traffic engineers and urban planners to design and analyze transportation systems, optimize traffic flow, and assess the impact of urban developments and policies on traffic and mobility.

Programming Language: Aimsun provides a Python API for extending its capabilities.

Perspective: Aimsun is used for microscopic and mesoscopic traffic modeling and simulation. It’s suitable for traffic engineering, urban planning, and mobility management.

Carla:

Carla is a popular open-source simulator used for autonomous driving research. Its importance is in its ability to create diverse and realistic traffic scenarios, allowing researchers to test and develop autonomous vehicle algorithms and systems in a safe and controlled virtual environment.

Programming Language: Carla uses C++ and Python for its scripting and API extensions.

Perspective: Carla is a popular open-source simulator for autonomous driving research. It’s used to simulate various traffic scenarios and test autonomous vehicle algorithms.

Limitations of these softwares:

PTV Vissim: Proprietary and can be expensive. Limited open-source extensibility.

SUMO: Open-source but may have a steeper learning curve for beginners.

MATSim: Requires good knowledge of Java programming for customization.

Matlab/Simulink: Commercial software, and it may not be as specialized for traffic simulation compared to dedicated traffic simulation tools.

PreScan: Focused on the automotive industry, may not be as suitable for broader traffic modeling.

Aimsun: Commercial software and may be costly. Limited open-source extensibility.

Carla: Mainly for autonomous driving research, not as suitable for traditional traffic engineering.

Reference:

1. Bakhtiari, Arsham, Ashraf Uz Zaman Patwary, and Francesco Ciari. “Electric Vehicle Charging Pricing Design for Agent-Based Traffic Microsimulation.” Procedia Computer Science 220 (2023): 755–762.

2. Ma, Wanjing, et al. “Active traffic management strategies for expressways based on crash risk prediction of moving vehicle groups.” Accident Analysis & Prevention 163 (2021): 106421.