TransModeler 3.0 is Released

NEWTON MA (USA) - Caliper is pleased to announce the formal release of TransModeler 3. Incomparable in its breadth of functionality, behavioral accuracy, and geographic detail, TransModeler is the most powerful traffic micro-simulator in the world. Version 3 combines TransModeler's signature 4-D geographic information system and relational database platform with key modern transportation features including trip- and zone-based dynamic pricing for managed lanes, two-way left turn lanes, passing on two-lane rural highways, reversible and contra-flow lanes, bicycle simulation, and a versatile, GIS-enabled API.

TransModeler 3 fully exploits the latest generation of hardware with a native 64-bit implementation. The 64-bit architecture supports the use of practically unlimited memory and faster computation. Both driver route choice and vehicle simulation are multithreaded, resulting in stunning performance and making iterative procedures like simulation-based dynamic traffic assignment feasible on a reasonable time scale.

Already the industry leader in ease of network editing, the road editor has been redesigned to make model development even simpler and less time-consuming. Easily create two-way left turn lanes (TWLTL), reversible lanes, roundabouts, and dual left turn bays. Quickly change a road from one-way to two-way and back again. Streets can automatically intersect when they cross. Import digital elevation data and use the data to calculate grades, and automatically capture the effects of grade and horizontal curvature on vehicle speeds.

TransModeler 3 advances the paradigm for signal timing plan data management. Timing plans for multiple time periods are stored in the same file. Different timing plans can be linked to a base timing plan so that updates are easier to manage.

Driver behavior in TransModeler 3 is even more robust than before. TransModeler includes adjustable parameters so that users can match driver behavior to real conditions. The source for each default parameter value is meticulously referenced and described. From this framework, conditions have been successfully reproduced for rural Northern California, bustling Shanghai, and places in between.

TransModeler remains the preeminent trip-based simulation software. TransModeler derives from and builds upon the operations research and routing pedigree of its sister product TransCAD and, accordingly, is built upon a foundation of robust route choice algorithms. TransModeler's matrix-based demand loading means insights gained from travel demand modeling can quickly and easily be applied to simulation projects. New critical link analysis and path visualization tools ease the task of model calibration and validation.

TransModeler 3.0 offers more and better reports. New reports include Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) 2010 levels-of-service for freeways (including merge, diverge, and weaving segments), signalized intersections (both pretimed and actuated), all-way and two-way stop-controlled intersections, and roundabouts. Or, use the Intersection Control Editor to calculate intersection and roundabout levels-of-service according to the HCM 2010's analytic methods.

Version 3.0 is the first TransModeler to simulate bicycles that are permitted to pass or travel alongside one another within a lane or in a dedicated bicycle lane. Motorists will even move laterally in order to pass a bicycle.

TransModeler 3.0 has already been deployed on some of the most challenging and innovative traffic modeling projects around the United States. TransModeler 3.0 is being used by the Maricopa Association of Governments to simulate 500 square miles of Central Phoenix, toll road operator Transurban to analyze and plan operations on the 495 Express Lanes in Northern Virginia, and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to model the whole of Lake County, CA.

Version 3.0 has thoroughly updated documentation and tutorials. The documentation is provided electronically as part of the software, and printed manuals are also available.

TransModeler 3.0 will shortly be distributed to users who are under maintenance agreements.

About Caliper

Caliper Corporation develops state-of-the-art Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. TransModeler is a powerful and versatile traffic simulation package applicable to a wide array of traffic planning and modeling tasks. TransModeler can simulate all kinds of road networks, from freeways to downtown areas. Caliper is a privately held corporation and is a leading developer of mapping, redistricting, transportation, and GIS software.