Using LOS schemes for showing aggregated pedestrian values

Alternatively, or in addition to displaying individual pedestrians in areas, on stairways, ramps, moving sidewalks, and escalators, you can choose the LOS scheme to show aggregated values in color, according to a color code. Using the LOS scheme is a quick and easy way to gain an overview. Alternatively, you can select one of the predefined color schemes Red-Amber-Green or Green-Amber-Red.

Note: Areas that have reached or exceeded a capacity limit are displayed in red in all predefined LOS schemes. This allows you to easily identify them.

You can choose to classify all areas and ramps by color, or only a user-defined square grid. You can also choose the class boundaries for each color and the attribute, whose value determines the class.

Predefined LOS schemes

Both subsequent tables contain predefined LOS schemes, which you can select in the Edit color scheme window, in the graphic parameters for areas, ramps & stairs (Assigning a color to areas based on aggregated parameters (LOS)), (Assigning a color to ramps and stairs based on aggregated parameters (LOS)). Under Classification by color, you select a suitable attribute. When a predefined LOS-scheme is selected, its predefined colors and class bounds are displayed in the Class bounds and colors list. You can edit the colors and class bounds.

Default schemes used in literature

Scheme	Pedestrian movements	Stairway	Waiting situations	Attribute
Fruin				Density [Ped/m²]
There is a different scheme for each pedestrian movement, stairs and waiting situation. According to Fruin the breakpoints that determine the various levels-of-service have been determined on the basis of the walking speed, pedestrian spacing, and the probabilities of conflict at various traffic concentrations. Numerically, these breakpoints are specified as density or flow. By defining both density and flow limits, Fruin provides the traffic planner with the right strategy, as the level-of-service concept is meant to assess walking quality up to a capacity limit. As soon as this limit is exceeded, the capacity is neglected.
Weidmann				Density [Ped/m²]
Weidmann follows Pushkarev and Zupan and the HCM in stating eight criteria for assessment of pedestrian walkway quality. Using eight further references, he describes the level limits in words. Weidmann does not explain how his description in words is converted into numerical limits.
HBS				Density [Ped/m²]
There is a different scheme for each pedestrian movement and waiting situation. These level limits are similar to those of HCM (e.g. rounded values of metrical HCM data). The importance of considering the effective width (or area) is pointed out. In addition, a factor is given for calculation of the effective density with contraflows. Vissim calculates the level of service based on the geometric area and does not account for contraflows.
HCM				Density [Ped/m²]
There is a different scheme for each pedestrian movement and waiting situation. HCM refers to Fruin as originator of the LOS concept, but the breakpoints between levels are set at considerably smaller values.
Pushkarev-Zupan				Density [Ped/m²]
Pushkarev and Zupan, along with Fruin, are credited in the HCM for having initiated and done the principal work in developing the LOS concept.
Polus				Density [Ped/m²]
Pre-defined LOS scheme with five levels Breakpoint values are based on measurements recorded in Haifa.
Tanaboriboon-Guyana				Density [Ped/m²]
The breakpoint values for this six-level scheme are based on measurements recorded in Bangkok. So this is the only typically Asian scheme. It is the only LOS scheme with all breakpoint values higher than the ones of the walkway LOS of Fruin.
Teknomo				Speed [km/h]
In contrast to density-based LOS, this speed-based LOS scheme uses the opposite sequence (starting with the worst LOS), as with increasing speed the LOS becomes better.

Schemes for user-defined classification

Scheme	Attribute
Density	Density in pedestrians/m²
Speed	Speed in km/h

Superordinate topic:

Selecting display options

Assigning a color to areas based on aggregated parameters (LOS)