VISSIM Micro-Simulation Software

Since 2000 Faber Maunsell has been the agent for the sale of VISSIM in the UK and Ireland to public agencies. Since then VISSIM has become the microsimulation tool of choice for a variety of bodies such as Transport for London, Gateshead Council, Rail Procurement Agency (Dublin), The Highland Council, Staffordshire County Council and a number of the London Boroughs.

VISSIM, which is part of the PTV Vision Transport modelling suite, is a powerful micro-simulation tool which allows the user to display and visualise complex traffic flow in a clear graphical way. 

Within a short amount of time a large number of design options of either urban or regional character (congested city centre streets or free flowing motorways) can be simulated and visualised.

Utilising this simulation tool, current and future operations of every mode of transportation (i.e., general-purpose traffic, HGVs, HOV, bus transit, light rail, heavy rail, rapid transit, cyclists and pedestrians) can be modelled. VISSIM analyses the traffic impacts of physical and operational alternatives before investment decisions are taken. As a result of its comprehensive system analysis, VISSIM allows for an optimal integration of transportation infrastructure design and operation and thus provides a noticeable cost-reduction.

A simulation program is only as good as the accuracy of its model.  With this in mind, VISSIM provides for a number of calibration parameters that allow for close calibration to local conditions. Desired speed behaviour that reflects local conditions, vehicle parameters that represent the technical abilities of the type of vehicle, and signal control logics that reflect the local methods of control, are only a few elements reflecting the complex cycle of cause and effect. All these elements are reproduced in a microscopic traffic simulator.

Using the graphical network editor, allows fast remodelling or creation of a new model. Network features such as routes, public transportation stops, signal heads, priority conditions, stop signs and detectors are located true to scale using base maps or aerial photos.

The simulation generates a wide range of measures of effectiveness including travel time, delay and queue lengths, number of stops, and green time distribution for vehicle-actuated traffic control. By comparing measures of effectiveness, a traffic engineer or transportation planner can determine the most appropriate alternative. The two or three-dimensional modelling of traffic flow (comparable to video sequences) makes VISSIM an ideal tool for presentations to non-technical audiences.

Typical applications of VISSIM:

• Comparison of junctions with regard to design alternatives (roundabouts, unsignalised and signal controlled; grade separated interchanges)
• Design, test and evaluation of vehicle-actuated signal control operations
• Capacity analysis and testing of bus priority schemes
• Capacity analysis of heavy rail including block section operation
• Analysis of toll plaza facilities
• Traffic impact studies for shopping centres
• Operability of ramp metering and interchange design
• Impact analysis of route guidance systems and variable message sign systems

The VISSIM software is developed by PTV AG of Karlsruhe, Germany and is part of the PTV-Vision suite of transportation planning and traffic engineering software programs. A team of over 300 programmers and engineers backs up this suite, which ensures that all products are continuously updated and improved.

For more information on our experience and capabilities please contact Andy McGregor.