Modeling the road network

When modeling transport infrastructure in Vissim, you can choose between a basic test environment and true to scale traffic flow modeling.

Testing environment

A less detailed model is sufficient, if you e.g, want to analyze several test cases for traffic-actuated VAP or VS-PLUS logic by activating the detector types manually. However, if you want to simulate traffic flows for performance analyses, you will need a more sophisticated model.

For testing environments, it is sufficient to position approach links of intersections roughly where you want them. Add signal heads and detectors to the approach lanes, so that you can later easily identify these network objects. True to scale modeling is not required. So network and nodes do not have to be based on scanned plans.

True to scale modeling

Vissim allows you to model traffic flows and real conditions true to scale. You can position the network objects of your choice accurately to the millimeter, e.g. links and connectors, signal groups and signal heads, individual intersections, a specific sequence or network of nodes.

True to scale modeling is ensured as follows:

• From Visum, CROSSIG, P2 or other applications that support Vissim network files, import a true to scale network (Importing a network)
• You use a background map for modeling.
• If you do not want to use a background map for modeling:
• Scan maps of the area.
• Add the scanned maps as the background (Inserting a background image).
• Your Vissim network is based on these background images.