Overview of add-on modules

Vissim is available with the following add-on modules:

General modules

  • Dynamic assignment

The module Dynamic Assignment is used to distribute the vehicles automatically among the available paths. Users only need to specify an origin-destination matrix and the parking lots assigned to the corresponding zones. They are not required to enter static routes manually (Using dynamic assignment).

  • EnViVer Pro

EnViVer Pro is a tool used to calculate emissions based on vehicle record data.

  • EnViVer Enterprise

In addition to the functions of EnViVer Pro, EnViVer Enterprise allows for the modeling of additional vehicle classes, individual time periods as well as automatic processing of several input files.

  • 3D packages: 3DS Max Export and V3DM

Export 3DS Max: Network data and vehicle positions are exported from Vissim as text files and can be imported into Autodesk's 3ds Max software. The 3D packet contains a script in the Autodesk macro language, as well as numerous vehicle model information.

Using V3DM (Vissim 3D modeler), allows users to convert 3D models of the file formats DWF, 3DS (both by Autodesk), and SKP (SketchUp) into Vissim 3D format V3D. This works for both static models and vehicles.

Example MAX files for vehicle models are located in the ..\API\3dsMaxExport\MAXModels folder of your Vissim installation.

  • Synchro Import

Using this module, users can generate Vissim models from Synchro. The network geometry, volumes, turns, vehicle compositions, and signalization are imported. The module supports adaptive import. This means changes made in Vissim are not lost when more current versions of the Synchro model are imported.

  • Mesoscopic simulation

The module allows for significantly faster simulation of larger networks compared to microscopic simulation. The driving behavior is still based on individual vehicles and a temporal resolution of, e.g., a tenth of a second. The difference is that the individual vehicles are not looked at with each time step, but only when an event occurs. Such an event could, for instance, be a vehicle reaching the end of a route and traversing a node, or an SC switching to green.

The main benefits of mesoscopic simulation are increased simulation speed and less time required for creating and calibrating the network.

If an area of the network still needs to be microscopically simulated, including all the details, hybrid simulation can be used. It allows you to select one or multiple sections for microscopic simulation, while the rest of the network undergoes mesoscopic simulation.

(Using mesoscopic simulation).

  • PTV Viswalk

Viswalk Is used for professional pedestrian simulation, either as a stand-alone solution or in combination with Vissim. The dynamic model is based on the Social Forces Model developed in 1995, inter alia, by Prof. Dirk Helbing. It allows pedestrians to walk independently to their destination, without a network model predefining their trajectories.

A simple pedestrian simulation, based on directed routes (instead of areas), is included in Vissim. It is based on the car following model of Professor Wiedemann, as is the vehicle simulation. It does not require the Viswalk module (Pedestrian simulation).

  • BIM Import

The BIM Import module converts BIM files (Building Information Model) of the data format IFC (Industry Foundation Class) into INPX files. These converted INPX files are meant for use in pedestrian simulation with Viswalk.

Nearly every CAD software supports IFC export and thus provides an interface between the CAD software and Viswalk. The Importer converts slabs into areas, walls into obstacles and can import stairways, whilst keeping the level structure. Slabs with curves or holes are automatically optimized for use in Viswalk during data import (Importing Building Information Model files).

Signal controllers: Complete procedures

This module enables user to simulate signal controllers that run on ASC/3 North American controller devices by Econolite. It provides a dedicated user interface for its control parameters.

This module enables PTV Vissim to simulate signal controllers that are controlled according to the North American standard procedure "ring barrier controller". It provides a dedicated user interface for the RBC parameters.

VAP enables Vissim to simulate programmable vehicle-actuated signal controls (SC). This is possible for both stage or signal group based signal controls. During Vissim simulation runs or in the test mode, VAP interprets the control logic commands and generates the signal control commands for the signal control that become effective in the network. Vice versa, detector parameters are retrieved from the Vissim network and processed in the logic. The VAP program logic is described in a text file (*.vap) with a simple programming language. It can be also be exported from VisVAP. The signal data file (*.pua) can either be comfortably exported from Vissig or generated manually in a text editor. The range of application of VAP stretches from controls for individual nodes over PT priorities to complex control systems for entire corridors or subnetworks. Additionally, applications in the ITS range, e.g. variable message signs (VMS) or temporary side lane clearances are readily possible.

  • VisVAP

Flow chart editor for VAP: VisVAP (short for Visual VAP) is an easy to use tool for defining the program logic of VAP signal controllers as a flow chart. All VAP commands are listed in a function library. The export function allows users to generate VAP files, which saves additional changes to the VAP file. Moreover, VisVAP provides a debug functionality that during a running simulation in Vissim allows users to go through the control logic step by step using the control logic. It also shows the current values of all parameters used in the logic. To start VisVap, from the Start menu, choose > PTV Vision program group.

Vissig complements the stage-based fixed time control (which is included in any basic Vissim version and in the Visum module "Junction editor and control") by additionally providing stage-based fixed time signal control. Vissig contains a graphical editor for defining stages and interstages. Interstages can also be automatically generated by Vissig. Besides providing the usual functionality, the signal program editor allows users to easily extend or shorten stages and interstages. Additionally, Vissig offers an interface for the export of signal data compliant with VAP in the PUA format so that a traffic-dependent signal control with VAP can be easily generated on the basis of the generated stages and interstages. All signal plan information can be exported to Microsoft Excel and easily added to reports.

PTV Balance is a comprehensive and proven adaptive transport network control software which is fully integrated into Vissim. Used in conjunction with the local adaptive node control PTV Epics or on its own, it calculates new signal plans for all nodes in the simulation network every 5 minutes based on the current detector data of the simulation.

The module balance/epics allows you to simulate PTV Balance using Vissim, just like in the real application. The road network and transport demand data for PTV Balance are supplied by .anm/.anmroutesfiles and require PTV Visum. The signalization related parameters of PTV Balanceare supplied with an extended version of Vissig. PTV Balancecomes with a web-based and user-friendly program interface. It allows for a direct comparison of the calculated traffic parameters with the vehicles simulated in Vissim. Moreover, this supply does not contain any formatting and can also be used in real network control projects with PTV Balance.

PTV Epics is a local, adaptive signal control, with a special focus on public transportation. It can be used instead of a fixed time or VAP signal control. You can simulate it using Vissim. Every second, the mathematical optimization function in PTV Epics uses current detector data to calculate the best signal plan for the next 100 seconds. It then transfers this signal plan to Vissim. All parameters required by PTV Epics are supplied by an extended version of Vissig. All modes of transport (private, public, pedestrian) are treated similarly, but can be weighted differently. This makes it particularly easy to implement acceleration in public transport with PTV Epics.

Signal control: Interfaces

  • External signal control SC

This module allows users to simulate signal controller procedures, which are available as a separate executable application (*.exe) or program library (*.dll). These can be either standard procedures supplied by PTV GROUP or other providers, or procedures developed internally with the API module.

  • LISA+ OMTC

This add-on is used to simulate signal controls specified with the LISA+ procedure by Schlothauer. The actual control DLL and the GUI for the controller parameters can be obtained from Schlothauer.

  • SCATS interface

This module is used to simulate signal controllers specified according to the Australian SCATS procedure. The actual control DLL and the GUI for entry of the control parameters (SCATS.DLL, SCATS_GUI.DLL, WinTraff, ScatSim) must be obtained from Roads and Maritime Services of New South Wales, Australia.

  • SCOOT interface

The SCOOT interface is used to simulate signal controllers that are specified according to the British SCOOT procedure. The actual control DLL and the GUI for the control parameters (SCOOT.DLL, SCOOT_GUI.DLL, PCScoot) can be obtained from Siemens UK.

Programming interfaces

  • API Package Application Programmer's Interface:

SignalControl, SignalGUI, DriverModel, and EmissionModel.DLL files. The API package enables users to integrate their own or external applications in order to influence a PTV Vissim simulation (Programming interfaces (API)).

Superordinate topic:

Basic information