CALIBRATION AND VALIDATION PROCEDURE OF MICROSCOPIC TRAFFIC SIMULATION MODEL: A CASE STUDY

Increased application of microscopic traffic simulation models imposes the need for high accuracy and precision. However, in research literature an exact and precise calibration and validation procedure definition of microscopic traffic simulation models is lacking. Informal practical experiences with barely full description procedure are present. Very often validation has not been carried out at all or if it has, it has been done ad hoc. As input model parameters, default parameters are usually used without being adjusted to local urban network features and its users. In most cases this has been regarded as delimitation of simulation models to be able to reflect the real on site conditions for appropriate decisions to be taken upon. Hence, the adjustment of input parameters according to the local urban network features and its users is becoming a calling issue. In this paper a system procedure for calibration and validation of parameters in a designed microscopic traffic simulation model for a real small urban network is presented. The calibration and validation is done in VISSIM. The traffic simulation results were compared with detailed recorded field data. The input model parameters calibration and validation proved both accuracy and precision of the designed microscopic traffic simulation model.