Using Lua to Write Custom Cost Functions for Aimsun Next

Lua is a lightweight scripting language that allows users to write custom cost functions while also enabling faster run times for complex models. In this month’s technical note, Tessa Hayman explains how Lua differs from Python and the benefits it can bring to your Aimsun Next models.
Using Aimsun Next with a subscription-based license

Paolo Rinelli explains how our new customer portal and subscription-based licensing bring Aimsun Next users great benefits in terms of administrative efficiency, remote desktop, cloud computing and security.
Walk or take the bus? Modeling mode choice with dynamic transit assignment.

How do we decide whether to walk somewhere or take the bus and how do you model that decision in Aimsun Next?
Truck routing with custom route choice functions

How to apply a custom Route Choice function to emulate a heavy truck guidance system.
Connecting centroids to multiple sections

February 2023: Tessa Hayman explains different options for multiple centroid connections and the effects of different parameters and assignment algorithms.
Random seeds in transport models

This technical note will explain the different sources of stochasticity within micro and meso experiments in Aimsun Next and how you can control them.
Side-lane merging in an Aimsun Next mesoscopic model

June 2022: Aimsun Next has a specific mesoscopic merging behavior model that is controlled by the cooperation gap and merging gap parameters. Mohammad Saifuzzaman explains how to use these parameters to control merging behavior and match observed traffic flow and congestion.
MFC and Battery Consumption Model

April 2022: The new Microscopic Free-flow aCceleration (MFC) and Battery Consumption Models allow for a more accurate fuel and energy consumption analysis. This technical note walks you through the details of the models and how each parameter affects the vehicle behavior.
C/ACC controller in Aimsun Next

October 2021: In this article, Martin Hartmann explains and demonstrates Aimsun Next microsimulation of vehicles equipped with cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC).
How to generate throughput and demand outputs

September 2021: In traffic modelling, it can be useful to compare the traffic demand and the throughput along a route: how many people would like to make a journey and how many were able to carry out that journey within a set time frame.
How to model pedestrian crossings in Aimsun Next

Sep 2020: New pro tip! Our latest tutorial video shows you how to include pedestrian crossings in your Aimsun Next traffic model.
How to use hybrid macro-meso simulation in Aimsun Next

August 2020: Tessa Hayman explains hybrid macro-meso simulation in Aimsun Next 20 and how it can unite the best of macro and meso to enable regional-scale modeling.
How to model cyclists in Aimsun Next

July 2020: In Aimsun Next you can now add non-lane-based vehicles such as bikes to your model. In this technical note, we will explore how to create cyclists in your model and look at a few possible scenarios.
How to use the Aimsun Next Pedestrian Simulator

June 2020: Our new embedded pedestrian simulator is super fast, comes free of charge in the main installer, simulates an unlimited number of pedestrians.
How to use the new path assignment plan in Aimsun Next

May 2020: Dimitris Triantafyllos, explains how the Path Assignment Plan feature gives you unparalleled flexibility in reusing previously calculated paths.
How to model connected and autonomous vehicles

March 2020: Martin Hartmann explains a quick and convenient way to study assumption-based behavior of autonomous and connected vehicles.
Three ways to profile traffic demand for more efficient modeling

February 2020: Tessa Hayman shares three different ways to profile traffic demand that can help you build models efficiently.
How to code roundabouts – Part 2

December 2019: Tessa Hayman explains how to adjust parameters on roundabouts to ensure accurate behaviour and calibration in dynamic models.
How to code roundabouts – Part 1

November 2019: Tessa Hayman explains different methods of coding roundabouts for different roundabout layouts, ensuring correct lane usage and lane-changing behavior from entry to exit.
Meso over micro: when good meso calibration can save the need for microsimulation. PART TWO.

May 2018: Laura Oriol shares her tips for altering parameters for throughput at traffic signals and at major-minor priority junctions.