Aimsun 7.0.1 is out!

Good news for Aimsun users! We have released Aimsun 7.0.1 and the new version is ready for download.

This update improves Aimsun’s overall stability and performance. We have addressed open issues in the microscopic, mesoscopic and hybrid simulators and the assignment model, and we have also sharpened up the user interface and resolved any crashes you have told us about.

You’ll notice optimisations such as increased simulation speed, faster viewing when working with large networks and reduced memory consumption when calculating a traversal matrix.

We have also added scripting functions for the hybrid simulator and the ability to simulate pedestrians with Legion during the warm-up period.

In addition, we have implemented the following specific fixes:

- Revisions: Now revisions only include objects that have changed. - The hybrid simulator now works correctly with adaptive control inside microsimulated areas. - Several issues solved with Synchro exporter, FZP exporter, Emme importer and VISSIM importer. - Microsimulator API: Code corresponding to the AAPIEnterVehicle andAAPIExitVehicle functions is now correctly executed.

Please note that you will NOT be able to use Aimsun 7.0 Final Release to open networks saved in Aimsun 7.0.1.

For further information please contact info@aimsun.com.

‘In the frame’

Traffic Technology International, April/May 2012

Goran Nikolic, head of traffic planning at the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) describes the successful completion of the pioneering proof-of-concept for the SimFrame or simulation framework of the Greater Toronto Area highway system.

The SimFrame is a multipurpose, multilayer traffic simulation framework for the freeway and major arterial road network in the GTA. The MTO project team, which included engineering consultants Delcan Corporation and McCormick Rankin (MRC), developed a single master model that will not only consolidate local knowledge and best practices but also optimize modeling performance and efficiency. The intent of this new model is to become MTO Central Region’s primary tool for future traffic analysis as part of planning and design, operational reviews and traffic management strategy decision-making.

Please click here to read the article in full.

© 2012 Reproduced with kind permission from Traffic Technology International magazine.

RIPAS integrates Aimsun microsimulation and SPEKTR controllers

Client: RIPAS (Разработка и производство автоматизированных систем, Automated Systems Design and Manufacture)
Brief: Integrate Aimsun microsimulation and SPEKTR traffic controllers and traffic management system (developed by RIPAS) to allow on-the-spot projection of adaptive controls onto real-life networks.

In answer to the high demand for network development in Russia, RIPAS has developed a tool that can clearly demonstrate future possibilities to traffic engineers and potential investors and developers: the PIC Program Interface Controller. The PIC is a kind of visionary tool that links Aimsun modelling software with the SPEKTR road traffic controller and the ITS SPEKTR (the control centre).

PIC is an internal development at RIPAS and is currently not externally marketed but used principally as a training tool in universities, to test and adapt models and also for promotional purposes, to show what the SPEKTR controllers and Aimsun are capable of. The interface between the software and the controller means that hardware and software modelling is carried out in real time. This simulation allows the specialist to fine-tune adaptive algorithms using the real controller, setting the position of transport detectors, duration of phases and other parameters. Through this link, practitioners can carry out tests of the RTC in real modes from their office desk.

DHV and TSS team up for breakthrough release of Aimsun 8 Expert in the Dutch market

At Intertraffic Amsterdam, DHV and TSS-Transport Simulation Systems announced the availability in the Dutch market of a breakthrough product: Aimsun 8 Expert edition. Developed by TSS in cooperation with DHV, the new software marries – for the first time in a single application – traffic demand modelling, hybrid traffic simulation and dynamic traffic assignment.

The addition of trip generation/attraction, trip distribution, modal split and public transit assignment modelling in the upcoming Aimsun 8 will be accompanied by other, as yet undisclosed, new features: TSS will release a worldwide version including the full range of new developments in late 2012. As part of the cooperation between TSS and DHV, DHV is in possession of a pre release of Aimsun 8 Expert that contains the complete traffic demand modelling functionality.

Jaap Koster, Transportation Project Director of DHV, explains the motivation behind this development: “We have worked for several years with a toolkit that included the Questor traffic demand model, a customised mesoscopic model and the Aimsun microscopic model. Aimsun 8 Expert is a single software application whose feature set exceeds the collective capabilities of our previous tools. Using a single package for all our transportation modelling will create a tremendous advantage in efficiency, consistency and quality for our clients.”

“Delivering a breakthrough release to the Dutch market just months after the worldwide release of Aimsun 7 was no small feat”, says Jaime Ferrer, Managing Director of TSS. ¨None of this would have been possible without the support of DHV who provided knowledge and experience, crucial feedback, and engineering input and, above all, agreed to roll out Aimsun 8 Expert in the Netherlands. We look forward to a great response!”

For further information please contact info@aimsun.com.

Jaime L. Ferrer (Managing Director, TSS-Transport Simulation Systems) and Jaap Koster (Transportation Project Director, DHV) at Intertraffic (Photo courtesy of ITS International)

‘Admirable solution’

Traffic Technology International, March 2012

Clement Ho, senior traffic planner at Ove Arup and Partners, looks at how Arup used the Aimsun package to redesign Hong Kong’s busy CBD.

As part of the preparation for major new infrastructure developments, the Transport Department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region commissioned Arup to conduct a large-scale assessment of the potential traffic problems this might cause. Arup took an integrated approach, using Legion for Aimsun, which combines the Legion pedestrian simulator and the Aimsun microscopic simulator in a single software application, enabling city planners to successfully manage the different and often competing requirements of pedestrians and traffic.

Please click here to read the article in full.

© 2012 Reproduced with kind permission from Traffic Technology International.

TTS Group appointed official Aimsun distributor in Singapore

TTS Group is now our official distribution agent in Singapore. TSS Group provides a highly specialised range of services tailored to the development and infrastructure sectors, covering all elements of traffic engineering, traffic management, transport planning, road safety and data collection

“The distribution agreement represents a valuable extension of TTS Group’s existing traffic modelling capabilities in Singapore” says TTS Group’s Managing Director, Marc Mrsic. “Our company and staff have a long history of experience with TSS and Aimsun software. Collectively we have carried out various traffic simulation projects in the region and hosted a number of training courses and user group meetings.”

TSS Group now provides an exclusive and integrated range of services for Aimsun in Singapore, including:

• Software sales and maintenance
• Technical support
• Software training
• Consulting services

For further information please contact admin@ttsgroup.com.sg or visit www.ttsgroup.com.sg

Marc Mrsic (Managing Director, TTS Group) and Jaime L. Ferrer (Managing Director, TSS-Transport Simulation Systems)