Measuring distances

In the network editor, you can set measurement points in 2D mode. Vissim measures and displays the distance between consecutive measuring points. This allows you to determine the length of a network object, the length of a link or the distance between network objects, for example. Vissim displays the following values:

• distance between successive measurement points
• at each measurement point, the distance to the first measurement point

measurement point in the network or on a network object

You can set measurement points at the following positions:

• at the desired position in the network editor
• at the desired position on a network object
• precisely in the middle of the corner point of a construction element

When you try to place the measurement point precisely in the middle of a corner point, Vissim assists you by showing the relevant corner points. In this case, however, the following criteria must be fulfilled:

• On the Network editor toolbar, Measure Distance is selected.
• The mouse pointer is close to one or multiple corner points of construction elements.
• The construction element is not selected, as then the corner points would already be displayed.

When you point the mouse pointer to a corner point, the point is enlarged. This makes it easier for you to click a point. Vissim sets the measurement point precisely in the middle of the corner point.

When you point the mouse pointer near the start or end of a link, it jumps to the respective section. This makes it easier for you to precisely click the beginning or the end of the link.

Direction of measurement

Vissim measures the distance between successive measurement points. For each measurement point you set, you can change the direction of measurement before setting the next measurement point. This is not the case when measuring the distance on a route, connector or link. With these network objects, you can only measure the distance in the direction of travel.

Pictorial representation of the distance measured

The measurement points are connected via a yellow line. This line is how Vissim depicts the distance between two measurement points in a text box. The text box is aligned parallel to the yellow line.

Vissim indicates the distance from a measurement point to the first measurement point in a horizontally aligned text box, immediately next to the measurement point.

Vissim indicates the distance in the unit selected by default in the network settings.

You can also measure distances during a simulation run.

Setting measurement points and measuring distances

1.  Zoom in on your Vissim network until you reach an enlargement where your Vissim network is shown in enough detail to set a measurement point at where you want to start the measurement.

2.  Ensure that on the Network editor toolbar, the Measure distance button is selected.

Tip: Alternatively,press Ctrl+M to measure a distance.

3.  Click the position where you want to start the measurement.

A measurement point is inserted. On links and connectors, the measurement point is displayed as a yellow cross section that extends across all lanes.

You may perform the next step multiple times and thus measure successive distances between multiple measurement points:

4.  Click the position up to which you want to carry out the measurement.

A yellow line connects the measurement points. The distance between the measurement points is displayed centered on the line. If you have inserted multiple measurement points, the distance to the first measurement point is displayed at each measurement point.

With the next step, you stop measuring the distance and hide measurement points, yellow lines and text boxes.

5.  Perform a double-click.

Tip: Alternatively, to stop measuring the distance, press the Esc or Enter key.