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"Traffic analysis tools" is a collective term used to describe a variety of software-based analytical procedures and methodologies that support different aspects of traffic and transportation analyses. Traffic analysis tools include methodologies such as sketch-planning, travel demand modeling, traffic signal optimization, and traffic simulation. While traffic analysis tools have the capability to provide meaningful insights into transportation analyses, far too often they are misapplied. Namely, the most appropriate tool for the job is not the tool that is used.
The purpose of this Decision Support Methodology for Selecting Traffic Analysis Tools is to provide an overview of the role of traffic analysis tools in transportation analyses and to present a detailed methodology for selecting the appropriate tool for the job at hand. The report describes the selection process including selection criteria and worksheets that can be used in applying the selection process.
This document serves as Volume II in the Traffic Analysis Toolbox. Other volumes currently in the toolbox include: Volume I: Traffic Analysis Tools Primer and Volume III: Guidelines for Applying Traffic Microsimulation Modeling Software.
The intended audience for this report is the transportation professional or analyst who uses traffic analysis tools and makes decisions on the types of analyses to use.
Jeffery A. Lindley, P.E.
Director
Office of Transportation Management
This document is disseminated under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Transportation in the interest of information exchange. The U.S. Government assumes no liability for its contents or use thereof. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation.
The U.S. Government does not endorse products or manufacturers. Trade and manufacturers' names appear in this report only because they are considered essential to the object of the document.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provides high-quality information to serve Government, industry, and the public in a manner that promotes public understanding. Standards and policies are used to ensure and maximize the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of its information. FHWA periodically reviews quality issues and adjusts its programs and processes to ensure continuous quality improvement.
1. Report No. FHWA-HRT-04-039 |
2. Government Accession No. |
3. Recipient's Catalog No. | |
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4. Title and Subtitle Traffic Analysis Toolbox |
5. Report Date June 2004 | ||
6. Performing Organization Code | |||
7. Author(s) Krista Jeannotte, Andre Chandra, Vassili Alexiadis, Alexander Skabardonis |
8. Performing Organization Report No. | ||
9. Performing Organization Name and Address Cambridge Systematics, Inc. |
10. Work Unit No. | ||
11. Contract or Grant No. DTFH61-01-C-00181 | |||
12. Sponsoring Agency Name and Address
Office of Operations |
13. Type of Report and Period Covered Final Report | ||
14. Sponsoring Agency Code | |||
15. Supplementary Notes FHWA COTR: John Halkias, Office of Transportation Management | |||
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16. Abstract This report provides an overview of the role of traffic analysis tools in the transportation analysis process and provides a detailed decision support methodology for selecting the appropriate type of analysis tool for the job at hand. An introduction to the role of traffic analysis tools and tool categories is provided. A set of criteria for selecting the appropriate type of traffic analysis tool is described in detail and each tool category is scored as to its relevance to the criteria. The criteria include the analysis context, study area, facility type, travel mode, management strategy, traveler response, performance measures, and cost-effectiveness. A process and worksheets for an analyst to rate a tool category for a particular transportation analysis task are presented based on the criteria and the analyst's weighting of the criteria. Some challenges and limitations of the use of traffic analysis tools are provided. The appendices include: a) a summary of current limitations to the highway capacity manual (HCM) methodologies, b) tool category selection worksheets, c) worksheets for selecting an individual tool within a category, d) a list of recommended further reading, and e) a list of traffic analysis tools by category. This is the second volume in a series of volumes in the Traffic Analysis
Toolbox. The other volumes currently in the Traffic Analysis Toolbox are: | |||
17. Key Words Traffic analysis tools, traffic simulation, highway capacity, decision support, tool selection |
18. Distribution Statement No restrictions. This document is available to the public through the National Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161. | ||
19. Security Classif.(of this report) Unclassified |
20. Security Classif.(of this page) Unclassified |
21. No. of Pages 109 |
22. Price |
Form DOT F 1700.7 (8-72) Reproduction of completed page authorized
