Simulation Modeling

Simulation is generally defined as an imitation of a system or process, while computer simulation is the replication of a system or a process on a computer. Simulation has been used in many fields in order to understand interactions between system components or evaluate alternative designs. It is routinely used in various and very diverse environments, including the training of pilots using flight simulators, in weather prediction, in the design of communications networks, as well as in entertainment (e.g., video games). In transportation, simulation is used to study various aspects of the system, including port, airport, and rail operations, demand modeling, interactions between land use and transportation, and traffic operations. The use of computer simulation models has become particularly prevalent among transportation practitioners and researchers. Such models typically replicate the movement of units of traffic (automobiles, buses, pedestrians, etc.) along a simulated network, considering the interactions between the environment, the vehicle, and the driver. Simulation can be very helpful in evaluating alternative solutions for transportation systems where analytical techniques cannot be applied or are not available, and it can consider the effects of microscopic characteristics such as individual driver behavior and vehicle characteristics.