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Explore how NGSIM program aims to improve simulation tools, data collection, algorithm development, & stakeholder engagement for better transportation decisions.
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FHWA Next Generation Simulation (NGSIM) Program • 2007 TRB Planning Applications Conference • Daytona, FL • May 7, 2007 • James Colyar, P.E. • Highway Research Engineer • Federal Highway Administration
FHWA Role in Operations Traffic Analysis • Assessed user needs and current simulation market: • Viable market in traffic simulation packages • Still gaps in functionality that require algorithm development • Users not sure how valid the models are, or how they compute their results – “black box” • FHWA decision: • Maintain a strong presence and role in traffic simulation • Do not compete with private sector software development market; instead act as market facilitator • Provide open, freely distributed products to benefit entire traffic community – users, developers, researchers
NGSIM Goals • Improve the quality, trust, and use of simulation tools • Foster an environment of public-private cooperation • Influence and stimulate the commercial modeling market • Improve transportation decision-making
NGSIM End Products • Develop a core of microscopic driver behavior algorithms • Core model algorithms, not GUI or data processing/tools • Open source for free public use • Supporting documentation and validation data • Collect high quality data sets to support algorithm development • Open source for free public use • Supporting documentation and validation data
Direct NGSIM Activities Public-Private Partnership Better Models Enable Better Decisions NGSIM Pathway to Success Data Collection Algorithm Development Impact on Commercial Simulation Market Better Transportation Investment Decisions
NGSIM Stakeholder Groups • Traffic Modelers • Represent researchers and others that develop theoretical models • Software Developers • Represent private vendors responsible for development of commercial software • Model Users • Represent end users of simulation tools (i.e., state DOTs, local agencies, consultants) • Roughly 15 members in each group, with a diversity in backgrounds and geographic locations (strong international participation)
Role of NGSIM Stakeholders • Identify research needs based on current tool deficiencies • Help shape the program plan and high-level blueprint documents • Serve on Expert Panels for individual algorithm research efforts • Specific roles • Modelers – Participate in developing new driver behavior algorithms • Developers – Validate and incorporate new algorithms • Users – Use improved simulation models
Engaging Stakeholder Participation • NGSIM Stakeholder meetings at TRB Annual Meeting • Periodic additional Stakeholder meetings, webinars, and teleconferences • Regular Expert Panel teleconferences for each algorithm development effort • Web Discussion Forum on NGSIM website • All NGSIM products are openly available on NGSIM website – 630 downloads of Freeway Lane Selection algorithm as of March 2007
NGSIM Core Functions Identify Research Needs F M R Manage Assets Facilitation NGSIM Community Components Constraints Funding Organizational Outputs Inputs NGSIM Website Tool Shortcomings Core Algorithms Candidate Algorithms Datasets Candidate Datasets Research Needs NGSIM Tools NGSIM Community Members Resources
F R M NGSIM Community Components (cont.) Organizational Funding Constraints FHWA Direction FHWA NGSIM Outputs Inputs NGSIM Website Tool Shortcomings Core Algorithms FHWA/Contractor Candidate Algorithms Datasets Candidate Datasets Research Needs Algorithm Development Dataset Collection (FHWA NGSIM Funded) NGSIM Tools NGSIM Community Members Resources
Keys to NGSIM Community • Define the roles and responsibilities for core functions (identifying needs, managing assets, facilitation) • Maintain frequent and open communication, including deliverables • Determine an incentive for all community members • Find “win-win” situations • Provide a “neutral” playing field
Web Site – http://ngsim.fhwa.dot.gov • Using the site: • Register, via the front page • View the ‘documents’ section for relevant downloads • Check the site weekly for news and events updates • Participate in discussion forum