CHALLENGE
In the framework of the DUET project, we can predict traffic using a model created by the university of Leuven, KUL.
Connecting the traffic model was a tough challenge, high speed visualisation was an even bigger challenge.
STATUS : started
LOCATION : Belgium, Ghent
TARGET AUDIENCE : city planners, policy makers, police
APPROACH
Based on the actual traffic situation, the traffic model calculates what traffic volumes can be expected at the same time in the surrounding streets when one or more streets are closed. To make the maps easier to understand, a delta map will be created, clearly showing areas with increased and decreased traffic volumes.
The idea is that an expert can block the traffic on a set of roads and let the model calculate the impact on the other roads in the area. The before and after traffic can be displayed, as well as a delta map showing the streets that have increased and decreased traffic.
Check this video to see the model in action
EXPECTED OUTCOME
Using this tool, simulations can be made for many purposes. Ranging from closing streets for street parties to the closure of a part of the city on car-free days.
Experts can apply for an account, unlocking extra functionalities. After login in, you as an expert can click the link below. A few layers are preselected for you: the buildings, trees, and road network.
- Select a spot where you want to simulate the closure of a road and click/tap the “change” button in the main menu. A new menu pops up.
- Select one or more road segments to close and confirm your choice. The DUET traffic model now starts calculating the new situation.
- The result can be found in the “Data” section of the main menu, in the tab “traffic results.” Activate the layer by clicking the plus symbol in the upper right corner of the layer, as shown in the image below.
- By clicking the “content” button, the overview of all data layers is added on the left side. Now you can switch on/off layers as you like to investigate your simulation in detail.
- To see the effect of the changes on traffic, a delta layer can be calculated.
- Select the resulting traffic layer in the ‘Content’ view
- click on the wheel, select the delta option and identify the original traffic situation
- create the delta and add the resulting layer to the map.
- Deselect the original traffic and the result, only showing the delta layer. Enjoy the result :)
- Select the resulting traffic layer in the ‘Content’ view
- The air and noise models generate a delta map by default. The impact of traffic on noise and air pollution is best viewed by deselecting the before and after layers.
- As a logged-in expert, feel free to leave a comment about this test case at the bottom of the page, and feel free to like/dislike other comments.
Visitors without an account can check the images below to see what a simulation may look like. You, as a visitor, can also explore the environment where experts work by clicking the link below. You can navigate through the city of Ghent. You can add extra data layers in the “data” section (classified in categories) of the main menu (click the plus icon on the upper right corner of each layer to add a layer). And you can explore all layers by clicking the “content” button. Are you triggered to learn more? Don’t hesitate to apply for a free account.
The road network is needed to select the road(s) to close.
- flanders_terrain,gent_lod2,gent_trees,gent_road_network,kul-gent-traffic-results-02:36:20.871
The KULeuven traffic model is used to calculate new traffic situations after impact.
Video
