Microsimulation: Department Assessment and Guidance

There is an increasing recognition of the need for additional guidance for utilizing simulation tools, considering the increasing complexity of the transportation system, the interactions of several factors in impacting system performance, and the increasing sophistication of strategies, technologies, and applications considered to increase system performance. This project provides guidance and directions to improve the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) microsimulation modeling practice, including: the identification of the current and potential FDOT applications of transportation system simulation and associated needs; assessment of existing simulation manuals and guidance in Florida and providing recommendations for additions to the manual; assessment of the ability of available microsimulation platforms and applications to meet the simulation needs in Florida; provision of direction for the application of multiresolution simulation as part of the modeling practice in Florida; exploration of the development of simulation modeling clearinghouse practices; and identification of FDOT training needs in relation to the use of transportation system simulation.