To published in Transport Research Record Calibration and Path Dynamics Issues in Microscopic simulation For Advanced Traffic Management and Information Systems

This paper presents discussions on two critical aspects related to microscopic simulation; a methodology calibration/validation and the integration of path dynamics on large networks, which we consider the most significant two challenges in microscopic simulation for decision support and analysis in Advanced Traffic Management and Information Systems. On calibration/validation, we distinguish between conceptual and operational phases; conceptual phase concerns the basic models such as car-following and lane changing, and the operational phase is associated with the context of the study (O/D, parameters adjustments with respect to network under study, etc). Then a methodology is described which brings to microscopic simulation the kind of capabilities for path processing and storage normally found only with macroscopic models, often due to the network representation being less detailed for those. This is based on a hybrid simulation approach. The example of integrating the Paramics microscopic simulation with the routing and behavior response simulation schemes as in the DYNASMART macroscopic model is used to explain a candidate methodology to enhance microscopic models for evaluation of information/routing schemes in ATMIS. The paper is conceptual in nature, raising some relevant problems faced by ATMIS modelers which are worth discussing further – it is not intended to provide extensive rersults or even to answer all the questions raised. Issues related to abstraction levels based on systems engineering paradigms are outlined.