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Chapter 5: The Simulation Environment: Learning to See a Traffic Signal System
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The purpose of this activity is to provide you with the opportunity to learn more about the variety of
traffic analysis tools that are available to the transportation engineer. A traffic analysis tool is a “software-
based analytical procedure and/or methodology that supports different aspects of traffic and transportation
analysis” (Alexiadis, Jeannotte, & Chandra, 2004).
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Describe the categories of traffic analysis tools that are commonly used by the transportation engineer
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Describe the application of a simulation model
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Prepare a document with your answers to the Critical Thinking Questions
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Traffic Analysis Toolbox, Volume 1: Traffic Analysis Tools Primer
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Traffic Analysis Toolbox, Volume III: Guidelines for Applying Traffic Microsimulation Modeling Software
Read pages 1-18 from the
Traffic Analysis Toolbox, Volume 1: Traffic Analysis Tools Primer
(Alexiadis,
Jeannotte, & Chandra, 2004) and pages 35 to 43 from
Traffic Analysis Toolbox, Volume III: Guidelines
for Applying Traffic Microsimulation Modeling Software
(Dowling, Skabardonis, & Alexiadism 2004).
Prepare answers to the Critical Thinking Questions.
When you have completed the reading, prepare answers to the following questions.
1. What are the categories of traffic analysis tools and what are the basic attributes of each category?
2. What is a microsimulation model?
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What Do You Know About Simulation Models?