LinSig-Microsimulation Toolkit

An application using LinSig to aid microsimulation model development, signal editing & optimisation

Shortly after the release of LinSig Version 3 JCT will be releasing a completely new product - The LinSig-Microsimulation Toolkit. This add-on toolkit for LinSig has been developed to provide a range of tools to link LinSig with the popular microsimulation packages VISSIM and S-Paramics.

LinSig has long been regarded as the most sophisticated tool for the detailed modelling of complex stand-alone traffic signal junctions and since Version 2 was released in early 2006, networks of signal junctions. LinSig's focus is the rapid design and assessment of junctions and networks especially those with many traffic flow scenarios and signalling options, and the optimisation of traffic signal times either for a junction or over the network as a whole. Microsimulation enables dynamic modelling whereby individual drivers react to network conditions as they are experienced with an associated sensitivity to junction issues such as vehicle restrictions, queue blocking, interaction of overcapacity junctions, as well as conflicts and interactions between road users such as buses queuing to access bus stops, lane blocking by illegal parking and the modelling of incidents. Microsimulation because of its ability to handle detail can however be more involved and often incorporates a more limited specification of traffic signal issues. For this reason many authorities recommend a two stage design process involving rapid design models such as LinSig to formulate and design options before using microsimulation to develop preferred options in more detail.

The microsimulation toolkit helps to bring these approaches together by providing a means to use the best aspects of each product. LinSig models can be quickly developed and options tested before being exported via the toolkit into a microsimulation model. The toolkit can then be used to assist with maintaining the microsimulation model by providing signal editing and optimisation facilities. One of the most exciting features of the toolkit is that it actually generates a new microsimulation model to include links, traffic flows and signal timings based on the LinSig network - saving users time during the model building process. The toolkit will also enable users to import re-optimised or edited signal information directly into existing microsimulation models.

The LinSig Microsimulation Toolkit has been developed in partnership between Mayer Brown Ltd and The University of Glamorgan. This Partnership received financial support from the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships programme (KTP). KTP aims to help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK Knowledge Base. KTP is funded by the Technology Strategy Board alongside other government funding organisations.

VISSIM is a trademark of PTV AG. Paramics is a trademark of SIAS Ltd.

Further information on LinSig V3

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