Comparison of macroscopic and activity-based demand models

Both macroscopic and activity-based demand models have their advantages and disadvantages. Compared to macroscopic demand models, the main advantages of activity-based models lie in aspects such as

  • individual user preferences instead of behavioral homogeneous person groups
  • continuous time dimension instead of 24-hour models
  • high spatial resolution instead of zones
  • individual model specification instead of fixed model structures

On the other hand, activity-based models have some disadvantages, such as

  • They require higher budgets for time and effort.
  • They do not achieve comparatively stable results like macro models.
  • They have longer run times than macroscopic demand models.

However, a decision for or against activity-based models should be based on the requirements of the model.