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

 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 FHWA Role in Operations Traffic Analysis

 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 Goals

 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 NGSIM End Products

NGSIM Pathway to Success Direct NGSIM Activities Public-Private Partnership Better Models Enable Better Decisions 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 Community Components NGSIM Community Members NGSIM Tools FundingOrganizational Outputs Inputs NGSIM Website Datasets Core Algorithms Candidate Datasets Tool Shortcomings Candidate Algorithms Research Needs Constraints Resources NGSIM Core Functions R M F Identify Research Needs Manage Assets Facilitation

NGSIM Community Components (cont.) NGSIM Community Members NGSIM Tools FHWA NGSIM Organizational Outputs Inputs NGSIM Website Datasets Core Algorithms Candidate Datasets Tool Shortcomings Candidate Algorithms Research Needs Constraints Resources FHWA/Contractor Funding FHWA Direction Algorithm Development Dataset Collection (FHWA NGSIM Funded) RMF

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

Using the site: Register, via the front page Register, via the front page View the ‘documents’ section for relevant downloads View the ‘documents’ section for relevant downloads Check the site weekly for news and events updates Check the site weekly for news and events updates Participate in discussion forum Participate in discussion forum Web Site –