WHATS NEW?

A quick guide to the new features available in

Aimsun 8

October 2013
2005-2013 TSS - Transport Simulation Systems

Contents
ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

Copyright

Trademark

AIMSUN 8 HIGHLIGHTS

1.

FOUR-STEP MODEL FOR DEMAND MODELLING

Trip Generation
Generation/Attraction Data Set Attribute
Generation/Attraction Data Set
Generation/Attraction Area
Generation/Attraction Scenario and Experiment

6
6
6
6
6

Trip Distribution + Modal Split

Distribution Data Set
Distribution + Modal Split functions
Distribution Area
Parking Area
Distribution Scenario

6
7
7
7
7
7

Public Transport Assignment

PT cost functions
Public Transport Stops
Public Transport Stations
PT Network layer and PT Sections
PT Assignment Scenario

7
7
7
7
7
8

Four-step Model
Four-step Model Scenario and Experiment

8
8

Four-step Model related objects

Transportation Mode
Time Period
Centroid Vector and Trip Generation/Attraction Vector

8
8
8
9

2.

OTHER MODEL DEVELOPMENTS

10

Macroscopic model improvements

New Macro Assignment methods
User-defined function components
Control Plan Generator
Supernodes

10
10
10
10
10

Dynamic simulators improvements

Traffic Control statistics
Traffic Management statistics
Path statistics by vehicle type
Number of Vehicles missing a turning in a Replication

11
11
11
11
11

Draft

Specific Traffic Demand for the Warmup period

Vehicles Generation Times saved as a Traffic Arrivals Pattern
Traffic Demand defined using a Traffic Arrivals Pattern
Flow and Flow-ALINEA meterings in mesoscopic simulations
New lane selection model in mesoscopic simulations
Optimization of threads implementation in microsimulator
New Giveway Model in meso and micro simulators
Two-way Overtaking Model
Adaptive traffic control systems

11
11
11
11
12
12
12
12
12

Link analysis improvements

Link analysis available during a simulation
Link analysis user interface

12
12
12

Path assignment improvements

Path assignment files size

12
12

3.

PLATFORM IMPROVEMENTS

13

Traffic Profile

13

Matrix operations
Redistribute Operation
Correction Operation
Apply Traffic Profiles Operation

13
13
13
14

Matrices allow negative values

14

Graphical Outputs
Diagram View Style

14
14

3D Improvements

14

Dynamic bookmarks can be copied and pasted

14

Paste at Original Location

14

Move section objects from one section to another

14

Welcome window additional information

14

Print layout

14

4.

PROGRAMMING IMPROVEMENTS

15

Microsimulator API
Read Pre-emption parameters
Time stopped in a Public Transport Stop
Read and set green meterings by lane parameters
Read Node Statistics
Functions relative to pedestrians

15
15
15
15
15
15

Scripting
New Python version
Pre-Run and Post-Run Scripts in Experiments

15
15
15

Draft

About this document

In this document we summarise some of the key developments in version 8 of the Aimsun
environment and their application to your modelling work.
Our aim is to keep you informed of any changes so that you can continue to get the best from
Aimsun. As always, please be aware that product data is subject to change without notice.
TSS-Transport Simulation Systems has made every effort to ensure that all the information
contained within this manual is as accurate as possible. It should be stressed however, that
this is a draft version of the latest Aimsun Users Manual and as such, some of the contents
may be subject to change..
As always, we welcome your feedback (support@aimsun.com) in our continued improvement
and addition of new features to Aimsun.

Copyright

Copyright 1992-2013 TSS-Transport Simulation Systems, S.L.

All rights reserved. TSS-Transport Simulation Systems products contain certain trade secrets
and confidential and proprietary information. Use of this copyright notice is precautionary
and does not imply publication or disclosure.

Trademark

Aimsun is a trademark of TSS-Transport Simulation Systems S.L. Other brand or product

names included in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.

Draft

Aimsun 8 highlights
Four-step Model for Demand Modelling
Aimsun 8 introduces three main features that, together with previously existing features,
complete the Four-step model that supports the Demand Modelling process at the
macroscopic level:
Trip Generation
Trip Distribution + Modal Split
Public Transport Assignment
Each one of these features has its own Scenario and Experiment.
A new global macroscopic Scenario, called Four-step Model Scenario, is available so that the
user can define the whole process in an Experiment through steps in a work flow diagram.
Aimsun Expert edition and Aimsun Professional for Travel Demand Modelling edition will grant
access to all the Four-step model features.

Dynamic simulation outputs

Aimsun 8 introduces new outputs in dynamic simulations related to traffic control and traffic
management.

Print layouts
As a help when creating the final report for a project, from 8.0.1 onward, print layouts can
be defined prior to printing allowing to compose a graphic scene on a page, including
elements such as views of the network, legends, text, Time Series graphs or images.

Draft

1. Four-step model for Demand Modelling

Demand Modelling and Demand Forecasting are now supported in Aimsun 8 with the
completion of the Four-step Model. Aimsun Expert edition and Aimsun Professional for Travel
Demand Modelling edition will grant access to all the Four-step model features.
A Four-step Model Scenario and Experiment collect all the steps and data interaction in the
process in a work-flow diagram.
The main steps in this model are:
Trip Generation
Trip Distribution
Modal Split (which in Aimsun 8 is simultaneous with Trip Distribution)
Traffic Assignment
New objects like Transportation Modes, Time Periods, Vectors, Areas, Generation/Attraction
and Distribution Data Sets, Public Transport Sections and Stations, Distribution + Modal Split
and Public Transport functions, etc., have been added to Aimsun in order to manage all the
data these new features require.

Trip Generation
The Trip Generation/Attraction calculation is the first step in the Demand Modelling process.
It consists in calculating the total number of trips generated and attracted by each zone
(represented by a centroid in Aimsun). Results will be Generation/Attraction vectors.

Generation/Attraction Data Set Attribute

The user will define the list of Attributes that will be taken into account for the
Generation/Attraction process.

Generation/Attraction Data Set

A Generation/Attraction Data Set must be created for each set of Census or Socio-economic
data that we want to make available in Aimsun. A G/A Data Set applies for a Centroid
Configuration and consists of a list of G/A Data Set Attributes.
From 8.0.1 onward, an Import folder has been added to the Generation/Attraction Data Set,
in order to read the corresponding zonal data from a file.

Generation/Attraction Area
Zones are classified by the type of Generation/Attraction Area. All zones of the same Area
Type share the same Generation/Attraction factors for the process execution.

Generation/Attraction Scenario and Experiment

The Generation/Attraction process is managed by a Scenario and its corresponding
Experiment. It will be executed for a particular Time Period, the selected Purposes and
Transportation Modes, and with the selected Generation/Attraction Data Set as input data.

Trip Distribution + Modal Split

Trip Distribution + Modal Split is the next step after Trip Generation. Distribute the trips in
the Generation/Attraction vectors into O/D Matrices.
Draft

Distribution Data Set

Socio-economic data used in Trip Distribution will belong to a Distribution Data Set.

Distribution + Modal Split functions

These functions model the resistance to make a trip with each of the available Transportation
Modes. They give a friction factor used to distribute total trips among O/D pairs.

Distribution Area
Zones are classified into Distribution Area types and a Distribution + Modal Split function is
paired with each Distribution Area.

Parking Area
Parking restrictions and costs are given for each area, and each zone belongs to a different
Parking Area.

Distribution Scenario
The Distribution + Modal Split process is managed by a Scenario where the user chooses the
Time Period, the G/A vectors (which determine the Transportation Modes used), their
corresponding Skim matrices (containing O/D costs) and the rest of parameters.

Public Transport Assignment

In Aimsun 8, the Demand for Public Transport (PT) can be assigned. The trips in the Demand
will use only the PT facilities and choose their routes using connectors from centroids to PT
Stops and PT Lines, eventually making Transfers between lines.

PT cost functions
In a PT Trip, there are several costs to account for. A pedestrian will leave the centroid
through a connector, then wait at the PT Stop, then enter a PT vehicle paying a fare, then
spend some time in-vehicle, then maybe make a transfer, walk, wait again, etc. All these
steps have a cost and Aimsun 8 has newly defined functions to model them:
PT Waiting Time function (time at the stop)
PT Boarding function (fare)
PT Delay function (in-vehicle time)
PT Transfer function (transfer penalty)

Public Transport Stops

The Public Transport Stop editor in Aimsun 8 includes a new tab folder (Model) which contains
information related to the Public Transport Assignment: the Waiting Time and Boarding
functions to be used, and walking times from this PT Stop to any other in the network.

Public Transport Stations

This new object groups a set of Public Transport Stops and contains information on
connection times and walking times. Connection times, when specified, will override the
waiting time for the following line to be boarded when making a transfer.

PT Network layer and PT Sections

When defining PT Lines as usual, in Aimsun 8, for each segment of line between one stop and
the next one, a PT Section will be automatically created as well. PT Sections are afterwards
Draft

editable, and contain the cost for the in-vehicle time in that segment, that is, a PT Delay
function must be selected for each PT Section. Also, a new layer to which the PT Sections will
belong, called PT Network, will be automatically created. This layer must be active in order
to see the PT Lines and PT Assignment graphical results.

PT Assignment Scenario
The PT Assignment is managed by its own Scenario, which contains the algorithm parameters.

Four-step Model
Four-step Model Scenario and Experiment
A Four-step Model Experiment, contained in a Four-step Model Scenario, can be used to
manage the whole Four-step Model process. The user can define the input data and which
experiments to execute. Each box in the diagram is related with an input or a process
(experiment) to be executed. The user can choose to execute the processes up to a certain
point in the diagram, or a single box (provided all the previous necessary steps have been
already executed).

Four-step Model related objects

Transportation Mode
A new object is available in Project->New->Demand Data->Transportation Mode. A vehicle
type belongs to one Transportation Mode.

Time Period
A new object is available in Project->New->Demand Data->Time Period.

Draft

Centroid Vector and Trip Generation/Attraction Vector

In addition to O/D Matrices, now vectors are also supported in a Centroid Configuration. We
have also defined a new container for Generation/Attraction outputs: the
Generation/Attraction vector, which consists of two columns: one for Generation Values and
one for Attraction Values.

Draft

2. Other model developments

Macroscopic model improvements
Aimsun 8 enjoys improved assignments results (for user-defined components). We have also
developed more efficient storage of the paths information. Aimsun Expert, Aimsun Advanced
and Aimsun Professional for Travel Demand Modelling editions will grant access to all the
Macroscopic model features.
We have integrated the following enhancements into Aimsuns macroscopic modelling
capabilities:

New Macro Assignment methods

Apart from the already available Frank & Wolfe method for the Equilibrium Traffic
Assignment, we have introduced some other methods Aimsun 8:

All-or-Nothing Assignment: this method looks for the shortest paths in free flow and
returns free flow costs and paths.
Incremental Assignment: in this kind of assignment, it is the user who fixes the % of
trips that will be loaded to the new calculated shortest paths and discharged from the
rest of the previous paths at each iteration.
MSA Assignment: this method is similar to Frank & Wolfe except that the step lambda
is not optimised but fixed to 1/n where n is the iteration number.
Stochastic Assignment: this method is recommended for bicycle assignment. It takes
into account the flows obtained in another macro experiment, calculates the kshortest paths and assigns demand to them based on a utility function.

User-defined function components

In Aimsun 7, the function components in VDF and TPF were already introduced, through the
use of 4 key words (tTime, distance, vToll, fToll). When defining a subfunction by any of
these names, a new column in the Assignments Outputs folder was created, with the values
of the subfunction for each section or turning, the same in the Path Assignment folder with
the paths values and skim matrices. In Aimsun 8, the list of components is not restricted to
these four words; users can create their own list of key words and they will generate new
outputs when the corresponding subfunctions are defined in the used functions. Also, derived
components can be defined (for example, if we created a component TravelTime and a
component Distance, we can define another component Speed as a derived component
Distance/TravelTime and there is no need to declare it in the function when the first two are
already there.

Control Plan Generator

A Control Plan (fixed or actuated) can be calculated based on the results of a static traffic
assignment for one or several nodes. Also, on a single intersection the control plan can be
calculated based on flows entered manually by the user.

Supernodes
In order to represent complex junctions and roundabouts in a more realistic way, the concept
of Supernodes has been introduced. This new object represents one or more nodes and allows
to define Turn Penalty Functions and Junction Delay Functions for each movement of the
Supernode. After a Macro Assignment the statistics of each movement of a Supernode can be
consulted and represented in the same way as for a Turn.
Draft

10

Dynamic simulators improvements

Aimsun Expert, Aimsun Advanced, Aimsun Professional Micro, Aimsun Standard and Aimsun
Small editions will grant access to the Microscopic Simulator features.
Aimsun Expert, Aimsun Advanced and Aimsun Professional Meso editions will grant access to
the mesoscopic features.
Aimsun Expert and Aimsun Advanced editions will grant access to the Hybrid simulator
features.

Traffic Control statistics

Microscopic, mesoscopic and hybrid simulations give outputs about the traffic control at each
intersection. Those outputs include green time and green percentage by signal group, by
turning and by phase. For actuated control plans the activation and deactivation reason are
also gathered.

Traffic Management statistics

Microscopic, mesoscopic and hybrid simulations give outputs about the vehicles affected by
any traffic management action. It is now possible to analyse how many vehicles have been
rerouted, forced a turning movement,

Path statistics by vehicle type

Microscopic, mesoscopic and hybrid simulations give now outputs about the paths used in a
simulation by vehicle type. In previous versions of Aimsun these outputs where only given by
vehicle type when the costs were by vehicle type. In Aimsun 8 they are available for any
dynamic simulation.

Number of Vehicles missing a turning in a Replication

Microscopic, mesoscopic and hybrid simulations give as a global output the number of vehicles
that have missed a turning in the whole network. In previous versions of Aimsun this output
was only available at a node level.

Specific Traffic Demand for the Warmup period

Microscopic, mesoscopic and hybrid simulations can have a traffic demand for the warm-up
period different than the first part of the stationary period traffic demand as it used to be.

Vehicles Generation Times saved as a Traffic Arrivals Pattern

Information about the simulation time when vehicles were generated during a microscopic,
mesoscopic and hybrid simulation can now be stored to be later on used as an input for
another dynamic scenario.

Traffic Demand defined using a Traffic Arrivals Pattern

The traffic demand for a microscopic, mesoscopic and hybrid simulation can now be defined
using a previously stored Traffic Arrivals Pattern. These Traffic Arrivals can be combined with
a set of O/D Matrices and simulation vehicles will be generated following both informations.

Flow and Flow-ALINEA meterings in mesoscopic simulations

In Aimsun 8, mesoscopic simulations are allowed to simulate with flow and flow-ALINEA
meterings.

Draft

11

New lane selection model in mesoscopic simulations

In Aimsun 8, mesoscopic simulations consider a new lane selection model that reduces
stochasticity.

Optimization of threads implementation in microsimulator

The implementation has been fully parallelized to substantially increase the benefits of using
threads in the simulation.

New Giveway Model in meso and micro simulators

The new giveway model allows a detailed calibration of the aggressiveness of the giveway for
each turn.

Two-way Overtaking Model

We have developed a model to simulate the overtaking maneuvers on two-lane, two-way rural
roads. This model covers the desirability evaluation, decision and execution process.

Adaptive traffic control systems

SCATS-RMS adaptive traffic control systems is now supported in the microscopic simulator.

Link analysis improvements

Link analysis available during a simulation
In Aimsun 8, link analysis is available at any point of a dynamic simulation and not only after
finishing it as it used to be.

Link analysis user interface

In Aimsun 8, link analysis user interface is much more faster than previous versions getting
the results.

Path assignment improvements

Path assignment files size
Path assignment files have been improved to reduce their size and improve the speed when
loading and storing them.

Draft

12

3. Platform improvements
Traffic Profile
A new object is available in Project->New->Demand Data->Traffic Profile. It contains the
percentages for each interval during a time period. This information will be used by the Apply
Traffic Profiles operation to generate a set of O/D Matrices from a global matrix.

Matrix operations
Several new matrix operations are now available:
Redistribute
Correction
Apply Traffic Profiles

Redistribute Operation
An O/D matrix has a specific cost distribution based on any of its corresponding skim matrices
(for example, the O/D distances matrix). After an adjustment, this distribution might have
been distorted, and it can be recovered by executing a Redistribute operation that will need
the following as input: the matrix to be redistributed; its current corresponding skim matrix;
the original demand matrix; the original skim matrix (these last two giving the cost
distribution that you want to recover).

Correction Operation
This operation will apply the same (multiplicative) changes to the current matrix that were
made from an original matrix to a manipulated matrix (for example, an adjusted matrix) up
to a maximum correction factor.
Draft

13

Apply Traffic Profiles Operation

This operation will apply the traffic profiles selected per cell, obtaining O/D matrices for
each interval in the profile and with values multiplied by the percentage stated in the profile.

Matrices allow negative values

Matrices have been extended not to only support trips but other kind of contents such as
travel times, distances, costs, For these reason it is allowed now to input negative values in
a cell.

Graphical Outputs
Diagram View Style
A new View Style is available for Diagrams (with several options to choose from: Circles, Pie,
Histogram or Stacked Histogram). It can be used, for example, to visualise and compare the
Generation/Attraction values with a histogram for each centroid.

3D Improvements
The 3D visualization has been improved with atmospheric effects such as rain or snow. Traffic
lights can now be located before or after the junction. Pedestrian crossings are drawn.
Furthermore, several kinds of additional file formats can now be imported. These include
importing Collada files and from Google Warehouse among others.

Dynamic bookmarks can be copied and pasted

Dynamic bookmarks can be copied and pasted among different networks.

Paste at Original Location

Graphical objects can be copied and pasted from one network to another keeping their
original coordinates, rather than always pasting them at the center of the current 2D view.

Move section objects from one section to another

Section objects such as detectors, bus stops, ramp meters or VMS can now be moved using the
mouse from one section to another. This is useful after cutting a section in two or when
splitting a section in several sections.

Welcome window additional information

The list of recently open projects in the Welcome Window informs now about the Aimsun
version used to store the model, that is, Aimsun 6.1, Aimsun 7.0 or Aimsun 8.0.

Print layout
From 8.0.1 onward, print Layouts can be defined prior to printing allowing you to compose a
graphic scene on a page, including elements such as views of the network, legends, text,
Time Series graphs or images. You can then print the Print Layout, or export it to a PDF or an
image.
Draft

14

4. Programming improvements
Microsimulator API
Read Pre-emption parameters
New functions to read the pre-emption defined for a simulation have been added to the
Microsimulator API.

Time stopped in a Public Transport Stop

Information about the number of seconds a Public Transport Vehicle has been stopped at a
certain Public Transport Stop can now be gathered via the Microsimulator API.

Read and set green meterings by lane parameters

New functions to get and set the green time by lane ramp meters parameters have been
added.

Read Node Statistics

Now, all information related to the node outputs such as the number of lost vehicles, delay to
calculate the level of service and number of missed turns is accessible.

Functions relative to pedestrians

Two new functions to generate Legion pedestrians in a micro simulation that is simulating
pedestrians with Legion for Aimsun have been included.

Scripting
New Python version
The scripting in Aimsun 8 requires a newer version of Python, Python 2.7.4.

Pre-Run and Post-Run Scripts in Experiments

All types of experiments can automatically execute a script before the experiment is run and
after the experiment has been run.

Draft

15