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PTV VISUM 13
NEW FEATURES AT A GLANCE
PTV Visum 13 - New features at a glance © PTV AG 2
Copyright:
© 2013 PTV AG, Karlsruhe
PTV Visum® is a trademark of PTV AG
All brand or product names in this documentation are trademarks or registered trademarks of the corresponding companies or organizations. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice and should
not be construed as a commitment on the part of the vendor.
This document may not be used for any other purpose than the personal use of the pur-chaser.
No part of this handbook may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, edited or translated, except as permitted under the terms of the copyright, without the prior written permission of PTV AG.
Impressum:
PTV AG
Traffic Software
Haid-und-Neu-Straße 15
D - 76131 Karlsruhe
Germany
Phone +49 721 9651-300
Fax +49 721 9651-562
E-Mail: [email protected]
www.ptvgroup.com
http://vision-traffic.ptvgroup.com
© 2013 PTV AG, Karlsruhe
PTV Visum 13 - New features at a glance © PTV AG 3
Contents
1 Distributed computing of scenarios 4
2 Private Transport procedures 6
2.1 Assignment with junction control (ICA) 6
2.2 PrT calibration report 7
3 Public Transport procedures 8
3.1 Faster computation of procedures 8
3.2 Public Transport reporting: Assignment & count data 8
4 Graphics & Handling 9
4.1 Live-Maps as background 9
4.2 Legends 10
4.3 Improved search function 11
4.4 Message window 12
4.5 One-step ANM-export of a subnetwork 12
5 Demand calculation 13
5.1 More flexible definition of matrices with formula 13
5.2 Multi-threading of trip distribution of the 4-step-model 13
6 Visum Safety 14
7 Interfaces 15
7.1 Extended Open Street Map import 15
7.2 VDV452-Importer and -exporter 15
7.3 Add-In: Import Transit Supply 15
8 Optimized integration in operation system 17
Distributed computing of scenarios
PTV Visum 13 - New features at a glance © PTV AG 4
1 Distributed computing of scenarios
If you are using the Scenario Manager to manage your projects in PTV Visum, Visum 13
now lets you leverage the power of multiple Visum licenses for substantially faster scenario
evaluation. This is achieved by distributing the calculation of scenarios across multiple
computation nodes, i.e. the computers used for daytime desktop work take on overnight
batch calculations for multiple scenarios.
No additional systems or software need to be acquired besides Visum and the add-on
module for distributed computing. If this feature is licensed, all Visum installations belong-
ing to the approved license group can be used, as long as they are available via the net-
work and running the appropriate version of Visum with the required modules and network
size.
All you need to do in order to enable their usage is to start the Scenario Calculation Server
application, which is installed with Visum. This item is responsible for managing and con-
figuring the scenario calculation on a computation node.
The distributed calculation of scenarios is conveniently controlled from the project man-
agement view in Visum. Here you can manage the computation nodes, adjust calculation
settings and of course launch the actual distributed configuration. The latter is seamlessly
integrated with the existing scenario management functions. After you have selected a set
of scenarios for computation, Visum lets you choose the computation nodes.
Distributed computing of scenarios
PTV Visum 13 - New features at a glance © PTV AG 5
Visum transfers the input data to the computation nodes, starts the scenario calculation
there, monitors the computation process and transfers the scenario indicators and, if re-
quired, all results back to the controlling Visum installation. In the meantime, the controlling
Visum can be used for other tasks or even be closed. The computation nodes manage their
work independently. The scenario table in the project view contains additional columns in-
dicating the calculation node, calculation status and even the current procedure step in the
scenario.
Private Transport procedures
PTV Visum 13 - New features at a glance © PTV AG 6
2 Private Transport procedures
2.1 Assignment with junction control (ICA)
The assignment with ICA has been revised and further improved. The basic principle is
unchanged, i.e. it is an iterative assignment procedure which alternates between a stand-
ard assignment using volume-delay functions (VDF) for turns and detailed node impedance
calculations, using ICA. The results of the ICA calculations are used to estimate individual
parameters of the volume-delay functions of turns. In the revised implementation, calcula-
tion of the blocking back model for turns of ICA nodes is mandatory. This way, it is ensured
that ICA results used for the estimation of VDF parameters are based on realistic turn vol-
umes.
Congestion as a result of the blocking back model leads to additional impedances; namely
wait times on links. Consequently, re-routing effects can be observed in the embedded as-
signment. This is achieved by modifying the link VDFs so that wait times are reproduced in
the assignment. In other words, the blocking back results indirectly affect route choice be-
havior in the assignment.
Another improvement concerns the initialization of turn attributes. Information from the
coded node geometry and signal control is used to better approximate attributes used in
the first embedded assignment. This improvement is likely to speed up convergence. The
implementation in Visum 13 includes a revised parameter dialog as some of the former
options, e.g. the optional use of the blocking back model, have been removed. For initiali-
zation, an additional selection of attributes is required. Note that assignment with ICA is
now restricted to an assignment period of 1h.
The results of assignment with ICA will change because both the algorithm of the proce-
dure itself as well as the average wait time calculation of the blocking back model have
been revised. Older parameter files for assignment with ICA cannot be read with Visum 13.
Private Transport procedures
PTV Visum 13 - New features at a glance © PTV AG 7
2.2 PrT calibration report
As an extension to the reporting for assignment results (Visum 12.5), there is now an addi-
tional reporting tool that helps you validate and calibrate your models.
An important element for the assessment of the model quality is the comparison of mod-
eled values with surveyed data. The goal of realistic models is to achieve a minimum gap
between model and survey data.
The reporting tool for count data enables you to contrast surveyed values with values in
your model to analyse the quality of your model. The count report is generated by an Add-
in (“Reporting PrT Counts”) that can be inserted into the procedure flow. So it is possible to
produce the same outputs several times, which allows for a convenient comparison of sev-
eral model runs. The results of the reporting tool are output in an Excel file.
Survey data can be attached to several objects. For PrT these are links, turns, screenlines
and others. The objects can be selected individually; there is no limit in number.
As a result, the survey data is compared with the corresponding model data and displayed
in several ways:
Listing all objects with count data, including deviation and GEH. In addition, a threshold value can be determined, highlighting critical values with colors.
Aggregated display of all objects with count data. Here the (weighted) average and av-erage GEH are listed.
Graphical display of results, using different diagram types.
The procedure step can be inserted into a procedure with a feedback loop. On demand, a
report is produced for each iteration, and the differences can be analysed over several iter-
ations.
Public Transport procedures
PTV Visum 13 - New features at a glance © PTV AG 8
3 Public Transport procedures
3.1 Faster computation of procedures
In order to ease the work with larger and more complex models, we constantly optimize our
procedures to keep computation times as low as possible. In Visum 13, we have improved
several Public Transport procedures:
Acceleration of fare calculation The calculation of fares has been internally improved. Depending on the type of the fare system and network, calculation can be 2-3 times faster than before. This has positive effects on all procedures using the fare calculation, such as assignment or line cost cal-cuation.
Multi-threading of line cost calculation: As many procedures before, we now have multi-threaded line cost calculation. Now all cores can be used, which means that the acceleration factor roughly equals the number of cores of the computer.
Acceleration of time-table based assignment for many cores: In Visum 11.0 the time-table based assignment was already multi-threaded. Now with Visum 13 multi-threading reveals a greater effect, including for computers with a high number of cores. With eight cores, acceleration will already be noticeable. With 24 cores savings of 40% are possible.
You will certainly notice these and other optimizations, e.g. in headway-based assignment,
while working with Visum, as they help increase the efficiency of your daily work processes.
3.2 Public Transport reporting: Assignment & count data
Similar to the reporting tools for PrT, introduced in Visum 12.5 and 13, there are two report-
ing tools for PuT. Both reports are Excel-based and created by an Add-In which is a proce-
dure step in the procedure sequence. It is possible to reproduce the same outputs several
times, which allows for a convenient comparison of several model runs.
Reporting tool for assignment statistics and results (“Reporting PuT Assignment”): Along the same lines of the assignment report for PrT, the dialog contains an object se-lection function for all relevant PuT objects. Both objects and attributes can be config-urated individually.
Reporting tool for count data (“Reporting PuT Counts”): As described in chapter 2.2 for PrT, this tool is meant for analyzing surveyed data and modeled results for PuT. The output comes in tables and diagrams, and predefined thresholds indicate the quality of your model.
Graphics & Handling
PTV Visum 13 - New features at a glance © PTV AG 9
4 Graphics & Handling
4.1 Live-Maps as background
In previous releases of Visum, we already introduced features allowing you to use maps
and imagery provided by online map services, such as OpenStreetMap or Microsoft Bing
(exclusively for our customers holding a maintenance contract) as background graphics in
the Network editor. With Visum 13 we extended these functionalities with a live mode for
background maps from online services. This new function allows you to display model data
on top of streaming maps or satellite imagery at the push of a button, only requiring an In-
ternet connection and a valid projection setting for the network. Beyond the predefined map
services OpenStreetMap and Microsoft Bing Maps (exclusively for customers with mainte-
nance contract), you can use custom map providers (e.g. alternative OpenStreetMap ren-
derings or WMS services) through the respective URL templates containing placeholders
for variables, such as map bounds or zoom level. This configuration is bound to the pro-
gram settings and therefore accessible through ‘Edit’ ‘User preferences’ ‘GUI’
‘Background map’.
Independent of the specific map service used for the background map, Visum enables you
to optionally display the background in grey scale or reduced intensity, so the model net-
work view is clean and clutter free. A toolbar button provides a quick shortcut for toggling
the display of the background map.
Graphics & Handling
PTV Visum 13 - New features at a glance © PTV AG 10
4.2 Legends
In Visum 13, we have implemented two major improvements in the field of legends.
The first improvement is a major revision of the legend dialog for the Network editor. Now
the manifold options are clearly arranged in different tabs of the dialog. Thus, it is no longer
necessary to go back and forth between the different windows of the old dialog. Another
advantage is a schematic preview of the arrangement of the different parts of the legend.
The second improvement is a new legend for the popular schematic line diagram. With this,
the graphical possibilities of the new feature from Visum 12.5 are enhanced even further.
Graphics & Handling
PTV Visum 13 - New features at a glance © PTV AG 11
4.3 Improved search function
By using the F3 button or the search icon, users can access the search dialog in order to
search for specific network objects. With a new search function in Visum 13, we now have
significantly improved the possibilities to find and edit one or several network objects.
The new search dialog includes a list of results, that instantaneously changes with any new
user input, which can be new or extended search terms or new search parameters. This
approach allows you to directly see if and how many results are obtained with the current
search.
Using the parameters you can define, whether you want to search in a specific attribute or
in all attributes of the result list. This can be very helpful, e.g. when searching for a stop
point name and not knowing, whether it can be found in the code name of the stop point or
perhaps in an indirect attribute of the stop area.
That you can now dock the search window on the left or the right side of the main Visum
window and work in parallel in other windows, such as the Quick view, is also very helpful .
Graphics & Handling
PTV Visum 13 - New features at a glance © PTV AG 12
4.4 Message window
When working with Visum, you will receive a number of messages. Tthese were previously
collected in log files only, which you can now find in the ‘File’ menu, under ‘Show Log files’.
In order to make working with messages easier, we have introduced the view ‘Messages’
function that you can open in the ‘View’ menu. Here you can find all messages and sort
them, search within them or filter for specific message types (e.g. errors).
In addition, you can click all messages highlighted in blue to view the corresponding net-
work object in the Network editor or other views. This will be helpful, e.g. when you want to
analyze the results of the ‘Network check’.
With this view, we have adopted a proven and popular functionality of our PTV Vissim
software into Visum.
4.5 One-step ANM-export of a subnetwork
Depending on the objective of a project, you might have to export a partial network of a
Visum model to Vissim in order to carry out further evaluations using microscopic simula-
tion. The data transfer from Visum to Vissim requires a number of steps which usually in-
clude
the generation of a partial network
the assignment of demand in the partial network
the export of the network and assignment results (ANM Export)
the import of the *.anm and *.anmRoutes data in Vissim
In Visum 13, this workflow can be executed at the push of a button. Simply define the area
of the partial network, define all corresponding parameters for the generation of the partial
network, and then run the procedures in this network and ANM export. The parameter dia-
log can be found under the new menu entry ‘Calculate’ ‘ANM export of a subnetwork’.
Data import into Vissim is optional. An installation of Vissim must be available on your
computer. Once Vissim is started the data is imported automatically. By default, static
routes are created in Vissim from the *.anmRoutes information. If you wish to use dynamic
assignment in Vissim or plan to use the adaptive ANM Import, the *.anm and *.anmRoutes
files should be imported manually. This ensures that files for later steps are saved.
Demand calculation
PTV Visum 13 - New features at a glance © PTV AG 13
5 Demand calculation
5.1 More flexible definition of matrices with formula
Matrices defined with formulas are particularly helpful in demand calculations, as here often
complex calculations of utility and demand matrices are required. With Visum 13, we have
improved the capabilities of formula definition.
In addition to the basic arithmetic operations and matrix transformations, you can now add
many other elements for the defition of matrices with formulas:
Advanced operators, e.g. absolute value, logarithm, exponential function and rounding
Aggregations, e.g. min, max, average and sum
Use of parantheses
Formulas are now represented by flexible strings. They are not only used for the definition
of matrices, but also for user-defined attributes with formula, as well as for the procedures
Edit attribute and Combination of matrices and vectors.
5.2 Multi-threading of trip distribution of the 4-step-model
Over recent release versions, we have enabled the parallelization of multiple operations to
allow for a better use of multi core processors.
We have continued to do so in Visum 13: Now trip distribution of the 4-step model has
been multi-threaded. First tests with medium-sized to large models suggest that the speed-
up factor is slightly below the number of cores. Due to the fact that demand models are
usually run in feedback loops, the potential for time savings is considerable.
Visum Safety
PTV Visum 13 - New features at a glance © PTV AG 14
6 Visum Safety
The new add-on module "Safety" for PTV Visum offers importing, visualizing and analysing
features for collected accident data. This makes it possible to optimise road safety at a very
early stage of the transport planning process. The optimisation is possible at both macro
level – with the safety analysis of road networks – as well as at micro level with accident
black spot management (BSM) and local accident investigations.
Crash data can be imported from CSV files in either a predefined format or a custom for-
mat. During the import, crash locations are automatically referenced to the underlying road
network to enable the calculation of key safety indicators per link (e.g. accident rates).
The way of displaying the accidents can be chosen:
the single accident view shows individual accidents as points in a colour depending on category and size depending on severity
heat maps are digital maps that highlight particularly dangerous locations in the traffic network in a visually striking manner to visualize accident location patterns clearly
Several filtering possibilities are offered to focus on crashes of certain types or during cer-
tain periods.
Next to “Accidents” as additional Visum network object type the Safety module offers
“Black Spots” as new network object type. Black spots can be created manually or found
automatically using customizable parameters. The found black spots can be easily priori-
tized and monitored with Visum list views.
To find similarities in contributing factors for accidents within a black spot or another group
of accidents, reports with statistics can be generated with one click.
Interfaces
PTV Visum 13 - New features at a glance © PTV AG 15
7 Interfaces
7.1 Extended Open Street Map import
We have extended the Importer for OpenStreetMap network data. Besides the import of
road networks already supported, you can now include Public Transport data ranging from
railroad tracks, stops and stations up to complete line routings, given they are available for
your network section in a suitable form in the OpenStreetMap data stock. Furthermore, you
can import arbitrary point or area information, such as service facilities or landuse data, into
Visum POIs. Both extensions are provided as part of the additional import configuration
and can be adapted to your specific requirements.
7.2 VDV452-Importer and -exporter
VDV 452 is a common ASCII-based exchange format for public transport data with wide-
spread use in German-speaking countries and a growing use in other regions. Its use cas-
es are data exchange among operational and planning applications in public transport
agencies and operating companies. Both, data import and export in this format have been
available in previous Visum releases, but only as external applications, which required cus-
tomer-specific configuration. With Visum 13, the interfaces become internal functionality,
directly accessible via the import/export menu. Both functions are provided separately as
add-on modules for additional license fees.
VDV 452-import allows you to import network/infrastructure, lines and timetable data from
VDV 452 into the corresponding structures of the Visum data model. Furthermore, fare
zones, valid days and intermediate points of line routes are considered for the import. The
export module allows you to write data to VDV files. Both modules support VDV files ac-
cording to version 1.4 of the recommendations in German and English. Beyond the scope
of the recommendations, they support additional data columns, which are bound to user-
defined attributes. Blocks and the related vehicle data are not covered by this version of the
interface.
7.3 Add-In: Import Transit Supply
The new add-in 'Import Transit Supply' allows for the import of PuT data from another ver-
sion file into the currently loaded network. Key is that the import is not based on any known
IDs, but solely on geographic information. Stop points are placed at the most plausible lo-
cations, so that excellent matching of the line routes is achieved.
In a typical application the "other" network contains timetable data with a rudimentary net-
work that often just consists of stop point locations (as e.g. created through HAFAS import),
whereas the loaded network is a PrT network and bus and tram transit lines are to be rout-
ed correctly into this network.
Interfaces
PTV Visum 13 - New features at a glance © PTV AG 16
Within the dialog of the Add-In you can align the transport systems of the two networks.
Other parameters of this functionality include parameters of the matching algorithm or the
option to create new links that are inserted into the target network for origin line routes that
cannot be matched to the target network
You can find this and many other helpful Add-Ins in the ‚Scripts‘ menu.
Optimized integration in operation system
PTV Visum 13 - New features at a glance © PTV AG 17
8 Optimized integration in operation system
PTV Visum 13 was prepared for operation with Windows 8. Due to the missing start menu
in Windows 8, all of the start menu shortcuts to examples and documents which used to be
created in the installation process were replaced by internal shortcuts accessible through
the Help-menu. The only remaining shortcuts are those to the Visum executable and to the
Scenario calculation server. These are grouped togehther with shortcuts to other PTV Vi-
sion applications in the group 'PTV Vision 2013'.
Furthermore, the CodeMeter runtime shipped with Visum was upgraded to version 4.5
which is the first release providing support for Windows 8.
All these changes not only apply to Windows 8 installations, but are effective on older plat-
forms as well.
PTV AG
Haid-und-Neu-Straße 15
76131 Karlsruhe
Germany
Telefon +49 (0) 721 9651-300
Fax +49 (0) 721 9651-562
E-Mail: [email protected]
www.ptvgroup.com
http://vision-traffic.ptvgroup.com