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McTrans January 2007

McTransCivil & Coastal EngineeringPO Box ��6585Gainesville FL 326��-6585352.392.0378Toll Free (US): �.800.226.�0�3Fax: 352.392.6629E-mail: mctrans@ce.ufl.eduhttp://mctrans.ce.ufl.edu/ M

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e New Products 3

Updated Products 3

Did you know? 4

Advertising Directory 5

Products Listing �5

Calendar 20

McTransM o v i n g T e c h n o l o g y

™Volume 36 January 2007 Newsletter

HCST7F ™

Coming this spring …

TRANSYT-7F Integrated with HCS+McTrans’ latest sofware

development is being finalized and tested for release this spring to provide seamless access to TRANSYT-7F, the profession’s most powerful signal timing optimization in HCST7F.

This new combined software package will provide for advanced signal timing optimiation for intersections, arterials or networks using TRANSYT-7F.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Systems Planning Office maintains a Quality/Level of Service (Q/LOS) Handbook that is intended to be used by engineers, planners, and decision-makers in the development and review of roadway users’ quality/level of service at planning and preliminary engineering levels. The first version of this handbook was produced in 1987, and for the following 15 years the analysis techniques prescribed in the Handbook were implemented in a number of spreadsheets. In anticipation of the release of the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) 2000, the FDOT contracted with the Transportation Research Center (TRC) at the University of Florida to develop new software to support the new version of the Handbook based on the HCM2000.

The latest version of this most popular microsimluation tool has been released through McTrans.

Current office license holders can upgrade (#TSIS6.UPG) for $500 with new purchases (#TSIS6) at $1000 for an office license. For Agency License upgrades and new purchases, please contact McTrans.

All licenses include the first year of toll-free technical support and electronic maintenance, providing all upgrades automatically with no more upgrade fees. An annual support subscription is required for continued technical assistance and access to free updates.

Please refer to the McTrans web site (http://mctrans.ce.ufl.edu/featured/CORSIM/) or the January 2006 newsletter article (http://mctrans.ce.ufl.edu/newsletters/06-january.pdf ) for details on the improvements and new features.

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TSIS-CORSIM 6.0 Now Available

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LOSPLAN

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McTrans January 2007

The new Release 11 of TRANSYT-7F includes the following new features:

• rewritten GUI features Microsoft “dot-net” architecture

• one-touch CORSIM* animation • one-touch HCS analysis • upgraded Lane Configuration screen

provides full intersection views • upgraded Saturation Flow Rate screen shows

all 12 movements at once • saturation flow rate adjustment factors are

now saved into the TIN file • copy-and-paste intersections in the Map

View, to avoid re-coding lane configuration, volumes, and timings

• combined the record type editor and GUI into one program

• agency information on formatted report and summary reports

• new route summary and satflow summary text reports

• the following CORSIM data can now be imported: pre-timed, semi-actuated, fully-actuated, multiple time periods, two-way stop

• direct CORSIM* optimization can now optimize the following: pre-timed, semi-actuated, fully-actuated, multiple time periods

• import any CORSIM file, timed and optimized by any other method, and instantly improve on that design

• Russian language version now availableOverall, TRANSYT-7F also offers:• Genetic algorithm optimization of cycle

length, phasing sequence, splits, and offsets• Direct CORSIM* optimization, CORSIM

post-processing• One-touch CORSIM* animation, one-

touch HCS+ analysis• Import CORSIM* files, import HCS+ files• Multiple-period optimization, hill-climb

optimization• Lane-by-lane analysis, actuated control

analysis* Requires TSIS-CORSIM, sold separately

HCS+ will also be upgraded to version 5.3 to include the new Interchange Ramp Terminals module automating the recently approved HCM Chapter 26 procedures.

HCS+ registered users will receive the new HCST7F product automatically when released this spring! TRANSYT-7F and HCS2000 users can avoid the price increase by upgrading now at: http://mctrans.ce.ufl.edu/HCST7F/

The latest Handbook and software were released in 2002, with minor updates to the software released in 2004, and are available on the FDOT web site at: http://www.dot.state.fl.us/planning/systems/sm/los/los_sw2.htm. The software consists of three separate stand-alone programs, addressing each of the following facilities: signalized arterials (ARTPLAN), freeways (FREEPLAN), and two-lane and multilane highways (HIGHPLAN). Collectively, the suite of the three programs is called LOSPLAN (Level Of Service PLANning). The implemented Q/LOS estimation techniques contained in LOSPLAN are planning level implementations of the methods and procedures contained in the 2000 edition of the HCM. Additionally, the arterial planning methodology takes a multimodal approach by encompassing analysis techniques for scheduled fixed route bus transit, pedestrians, and bicycles.Planning level analysis is characterized by the use of assumptions, approximations and default values to reduce the need for the detailed field data upon which operational level analyses are based. Procedures have been developed for application at two levels:

• Generalized planning, which typically makes use of statewide service volume tables based on numerous defaults, and

• Conceptual planning, which applies user-specified parameter values. The conceptual planning level procedure includes features that estimate the level of service (LOS) and service volumes for site-specific conditions.

Currently, the TRC is working with the FDOT on the development of a new release of LOSPLAN in support of a revised Q/LOS Handbook to accommodate the currently ongoing LOS Rule (F.A.C. Chapter 14-94) update at the state level. It is anticipated that this new Handbook and software will be released in late 2006 or early 2007.

For more information, contact Dr. Scott Washburn (swash@ce.ufl.edu) at the University of Florida, or Ms. Gina Bonyani (gina.bonyani@dot.state.fl.us) at the FDOT, Systems Planning Office. Thanks to FDOT Systems Planning Office Staff, Gina Bonyani, Martin Guttenplan, and Doug McLeod for their continued support of LOSPLAN development, and allowing McTrans to also include it in the current release of the Highway Capacity Software (HCS+).

HCST7F TM

Figure �. Screenshot of beta version of new ARTPLAN software program.

LOSPLAN

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McTrans January 2007

Package Version Status Target Distribution

HCS+™ 5.2� Complete Available Patch downloadTRANSYT-7F �0.3 Complete Available Patch downloadTSIS/CORSIM 6.0 Complete Available Registered Users may upgradeDYNASMART-P �.2.2 Testing January Available to registered usersIDAS 2.3 Complete Available Sent to Registered UsersQuickZone 2.0 Complete Available Sent to Registered UsersTNM 2.5 Complete Available Sent to Registered UsersTurbo Architecture 3.� Complete Available Patch download

Update Watch

NEW Products

StaTran™ – New Traffic Data Statistical analysis tool now available from McTrans.

Solaris Development is proud to announce that StaTran™ is available for distribution through McTrans. If you have traffic detectors installed you probably have collected a lot of information throughout the years. What do you do with it? You know it may contain some valuable insights that can help you in your work. Now you can use StaTran™ to:

1. View/Graph Historical Statistical information

2. Weed out Detector errors per detector per line

3. Input corrected statistical information into Transyt, HCS+ and other programs.

4. Use built in statistical analysis tools5. Get information necessary for

improvement in Detector placement and maintenance.

6. Get various reports in Excel and text formats.

7. Use scientific information in planning and justifying new and existing projects

Don’t just collect information from your traffic detectors – use it.Introductory offer – now through September 2007 licenses start at $799.

AIMSUN is a traffic analysis application that functions like a virtual traffic lab, providing a software environment for traffic modelling, microsimulation, planning and analysis in the frame of transport planning and traffic operations.

AIMSUN version 5.1 offers the unique integrated solution for planners, modellers and teams in which they work together. This single application offers a common user interface and a unique database lowering the training cost, increasing the productivity and allowing new levels of collaboration. Modellers can perform O/D matrices adjustments using detection data or extracting the traversal matrices from a sub area on the same application and network model used to simulate at micro level. Planners can benefit from an application that eliminates the export step to simulators as the same data is used by both models making the synchronization problems a thing of the past.

AIMSUN also expands the scope of simulation studies from small models with a few intersections to medium and large

CulvertSoft is a program developed to evaluate the performance of culverts including multiple non-conforming and broken-back culverts. Circular, elliptical and rectangular shapes of concrete or corrugated metal sections can be analyzed in English or Metric units.

CulvertSoft uses the methodology described in FHWA’s HDS-5 Manual. An easy to follow interface allows the user to quickly and efficiently input different culvert configurations and Inlet edge conditions and solve for a host of result parameters. Different tailwater conditions are included. A state-specific module is available for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Discharge may be directly entered or analyzed using Rational or SCS-TR-55 Methods. CulvertSoft includes outlet protection analysis. In addition to USDA method of rock outlet protection, the program uses FHWA’s HEC-14 Manual in the design of riprap stilling basins and an estimate of scour.

All results are easily printed in standard MicroSoft Excel spreadsheet forms. OnscreenHelp and documentation are included.

networks thanks to the best Route Choice Model in the industry, a fast simulator that takes advantage of the new multi core CPUs simulating hundred of thousands of vehicles in real time and a collection of tool for data import (CAD, GIS, EMME/2, SATURN, CONTRAM, CUBE, Paramics...), data validation and calibration. Thanks to its extensible traffic management functionalities, speed and configurability, it is the software tool of choice for dynamic Online applications.

The American version of AIMSUN includes interfaces to TRANSYT/7F and Synchro traffic control applications.

City planners, traffic managers and transportation authorities can enjoy not only a very attractive wide range of utilities but also a full complement of detailed documentation, an active users’ forum, frequent training courses and efficient technical support. The excellence of the software and the quality of the supporting resources have made the AIMSUN environment a guiding light in simulation modelling worldwide.

AIMSUN, The Integrated Traffic Modelling Environment

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McTrans January 2007

4 Did You Know?UPDATED ProductsWinTASS 3.0 Catalog Entry

WinTASS 3.0 updates and improves a traffic analysis tool that has been in wide use for over 12 years. It contains many improvements to the user interface for increased productivity plus additional data options.

WinTASS is a tool that helps transportation professionals estimate the relative impacts of land use changes on roadway networks. It automates the traffic assignment process, provides a clear audit trail of assumptions and computations, delineates the relative traffic impacts of site, existing, and growth components of future traffic projections and provides an intuitive method of distributing site-generated traffic throughout a roadway network.

Although WinTASS is a useful tool for many applications, it is especially useful for traffic impact studies that are too small to effectively use transportation modeling software, or where input information is not complete enough for accurate use of these models.

WinTASS can accommodate a network with a maximum of 99 intersections, 99 sites, and 99 external nodes. The network size and layout is readily changed on the fly. WinTASS network definition is flexible enough to handle passer-by trips, curved links and shared entrances from multiple sites.

Operating System: Windows 98/98, XP or newer

HSA Software Updates

Did you know that traffic travels on the left-hand side of the road in approximately one third of all the countries in the world? This is the fact. The newly released update of the HSA Software 3.0 can generate Collision Diagrams for left side driving countries. Since some of our international customers may have clients from different nations, both right side and left side driving diagram options will be included within one module, with a simple switch button.

The price of left side driving release of HSA Software 3.0 will remain the same. There will be a small processing fee for our current international users willing to obtain the left side driving module.

We are frequently asked about electronic transfer of crash data from existing databases into HSA Software. Since crash data formats differ from state to state, no uniform data conversion program is available. Therefore, if you send us your standard data format and field definitions, we could develop such procedure for you. The procedure would convert your data from selected locations to HSA Software format for further analysis. This way you would save time on lengthy manual data entry. After transferring the data, you would be able to edit it or add more records.

It is important to note that manual data entry from police accident reports is still preferrable for more accurate investigation. Most of existing crash databases do not have detailed descriptions or sketches of the crash scenes. Besides, some data entries may be missing or miscoded. When investigator enters data manually, he or she has better understanding of existing safety conditions. Therefore, saving time by automatic data transfer may negatively affect the quality of safety analysis, unless data is carefully examined and validated.

HCS+You can now code signal phasing by choosing

among a list of preset phase design combinations, such as leading lefts in either or both directions, with or without overlaps, lead-lag or split phasing. Selecting from the provided list can replace dozens of mouse clicks with one or two. You can also automatically define actuation as pretimed, fully actuated, or semi- actuated by direction.

TRANSYT-7FThere are two ways to model an exclusive

pedestrian phase in TRANSYT. The first method is to code an empty phase with no moving links. The second method is to code a separate phase with a low-volume (e.g., �0-vph) traffic movement, using an extra link (e.g., link ��3). The optimization process will likely force such an exclusive pedestrian phase length to its minimum specified duration, especially if no pedestrian links with pedestrian traffic are modeled. Because of this, the minimum phase length specified should be sufficiently long to ensure that the variable green interval is not reduced to an unsafe length.

CORSIMThe Erlang distribution causes vehicle arrivals to be random when

coming out of entry nodes. Once inside the network, platoon dispersion between intersections is affected by Lane Change settings and the Free-Flow Speed Distribution, which in TRAFED can be adjusted under Network > NETSIM Setup. Heavy source and sink node volumes tend to eliminate platooning, and cause random arrivals at intersections

Page Company Product

6 Greg Bullock TS/PP-Draft

�0-�� Caliper Corporation TRANSCAD

�3 Crossroad CUBE

�4 Crossroads Systems Crossys

5 PolyTech Corporation TIAH Helper

8 PTV America VISUM

�2 Strong Concepts Visual TEAPAC

5 Scantek Cadna A

6 Trafficware ICU

9 Trafficware Synchro

7 Transoft Solutions AUTOTURN

6 X32 Group HSA Software

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