Happy holidays from INRO – December 2011

Consult our office closures during the holiday season. The discussion forums will of course remain open, so feel free to continue posting questions.

If you didn't receive our holiday greeting e-mail, contact us so that we can keep you informed in the future.

Worksheet Contest Winners – September 2011

Votes were cast by participants at Model City 2011 to select the winners of the first INRO Worksheets Contest. First prize was awarded an Apple iPad2. Runners-up and honorable mentions were awarded copies of Edward Tufte's classic book The Visual Display of Quantitative Information. And the winner is…

First prize went to Travel times to Brisbane Airport and Port of Brisbane after bridge closure by Ben Pool, Matthew Ryan, and Peta Harwood from Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland, Australia for their creative use of the Shortest Paths - Isochrones worksheet found under General > Results Analysis > Traffic in Emme's Worksheet Explorer. Try it for yourself!

Runners-up include

• Road classification by Patrick Palmier, Centre d'Études Techniques de l'Équipement Nord, Picardie, Lille, France for a custom worksheet built from Emme worksheet layers that shows the results of nine traffic assignments with color-coordinated link bars and link table.
• Change in public transport share by Peter Hidas and Blake Xu, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Sydney, Australia. Learn more about how this plot was automated:

Honorable mentions went to

• Transportation Impacts on East of the US 101 in South San Francisco: Volumes Aggregated at TAZs and Intersections by Jia Hao Wu, W & S Solutions, Pleasanton, California, USA
• Metro LOS and volau scaled by Kyle Hauger, Metro, Portland, Oregon, USA

See more contributions from transport planners around the world in the new Worksheet Gallery. To submit your work, send your Emme or Dynameq worksheet with a short explanation of the main content depicted to support@inrosoftware.com with subject "Gallery". Images must have resolution of at least 1280x800 pixels in PNG or PDF format to preserve image quality. All submissions will be considered for entry in the next INRO Worksheets Contest.

Model City 2011 presentations available in the INRO Library – September 2011

The presentations at Model City 2011 are now posted. Thanks to all the authors, presenters and session chairs for sharing their experiences and creating an engaging and well-rounded technical program. Click the links below or visit the INRO Library to browse these and over a thousand more contributions by INRO staff and our users.

Thanks to local hosts Dick Walker, Cindy Pederson, and Alescia Blakely from Portland Metro. The diverse conference venues, namely the Oregon Zoo, the Hilton Portland, the South Waterfront tour and aerial tram ride, the Widmer Brothers pub night and the SkyBridge Terrace banquet, showcased beautiful Portland and made for great fun.

If you would like to invite the Emme and Dynameq user community to meet in your city, please get in touch with us at info@inrosoftware.com. INRO is eager to support our users wherever you would like to gather.

Advanced Integrated Demand-Network Equilibrium Models: New Challenges and Implementation with Emme
Peter Vovsha, Parsons Brinckerhoff, New York, NY, USA
2011-09-15, Model City 2011
Advanced_Integrated_Demand-Network_Equilibrium_Models.pdf   size: 1.18 MB 
Advanced_Integrated_Demand-Network_Equilibrium_Models.pptx   size: 660.89 KB 

Travel Demand Modeling for Congestion Pricing Analysis: An Overview
Moshe Ben-Akiva, MIT's Edmund K. Turner Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Director of the Intelligent Transportation Systems Program, Cambridge, MA, USA
2011-09-15, Model City 2011
Abstract Ben-Akiva_Emme_Conf_Abstract_50_words.pdf   size: 35.55 KB 
TDM_for_Congestion_Pricing_Analysis_emme.pdf   size: 990.52 KB 
TDM_for_Congestion_Pricing_Analysis_emme.pptx   size: 700.21 KB

Introduction to Emme Modeller
Daniel Florian, INRO, Montréal, Québec, Canada
2011-09-15, Model City 2011
Emme_Modeller_Model_City_2011.pdf   size: 5.02 MB 

Puget Sound Regional Council's Model Conversion via Emme Modeller
Chris Johnson and Craig Helmann, PSRC, Seattle, WA, USA
2011-09-15, Model City 2011
INRO_2011_CJ.pdf   size: 5.05 MB 
INRO_2011_CJ.pptx   size: 4.7 MB 
Abstract Helmann_Abstract_for_PSRC_Model.pdf   size: 51.96 KB 

Intersection Delay Modeller - EMME Modeller
Naveen Juvva, AECOM, Whitby, ON, Canada
2011-09-15, Model City 2011
Abstract Juvva_intersection_delay_modelling_using_modeller.pdf   size: 23.73 KB 
2011_juvvan-Intersection_Modeller.pdf   size: 1.73 MB 
2011_juvvan-Intersection_Modeller.pptx   size: 632.32 KB 

From Macros to Modeller
Kevin Bragg, INRO, Montréal, QC, Canada
2011-09-15, Model City 2011
macro2modeller_portland.pdf   size: 2.7 MB 

Emme Extended Transit Assignment
Shane Velan, INRO, Montréal, QC, Canada
2011-09-15, Model City 2011
Emme_extended_transit.pdf   size: 3.48 MB 

From Survey to Model: Capturing Relative Perceptions of Transit Time in the Emme Strategy Transit Assignment
Aaron Breakstone, Scott Higgins and Richard Walker, Portland Metro, Portland, OR, USA
2011-09-15, Model City 2011
Abstract Breakstone_Emme_UC_abstract.pdf   size: 8.54 KB 
Joan_SP_Emme_UC_2011.pptx   size: 2.15 MB 
Joan_SP_Emme_UC_2011.pdf   size: 1.84 MB 

In the Works: Logit Choice of Transit Strategies
Michael Florian, INRO, Montréal, QC, Canada
2011-09-15, Model City 2011
Emme_Logit_transit_developments_Portland_2011.pdf   size: 4.74 MB  

Implementation of CMAP's Activity-Based Model with Emme
Ben Stabler and Peter Vovsha, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Portland, OR ; Matt Stratton and Kermit Wies, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, Chicago, IL, USA
2011-09-15, Model City 2011
Abstract Stabler_cmap_abm_portland_emme_abstract.pdf   size: 5.95 KB 
Stratton_Stabler_Vovsha_CMAP_ABM_EMME.pdf   size: 8.74 MB 
Stratton_Stabler_Vovsha_CMAP_ABM_EMME.pptx   size: 802.04 KB 

Optimal location of logistics centers - Freight Modelling in Finland
Tapani Särkkä, Matrex, Helsinki, Finland
2011-09-15, Model City 2011
Optimum_location_of_logistics_centers.ppt   size: 2.19 MB 
Abstract Sarkka_LogisticscentersFinland.pdf   size: 64.61 KB 
Optimum_location_of_logistics_centers.pdf   size: 1.6 MB 

Emerging Land Use and Transportation Modeling with UPlan and Emme in China
Jia Hao Wu, Bing Song, Bao Yuan Qiu, Cao Yuan Yuan, W & S Solutions, LLC. (California, USA) and Wu & Song Assoicates (Shanghai) Su Hailong, Tan Yinghui, Peng Ying, Gao Feng Jiao Fudan Urban Planning And Design Institute (Shanghai)
2011-09-15, Model City 2011
02_Presentation_for_Land_Use_and_Transportation_v3.pdf   size: 2.55 MB 
02_Presentation_for_Land_Use_and_Transportation_v3.ppt   size: 5.28 MB 
Abstract Wu_2011Emme_Abstract.pdf   size: 8.37 KB 

Impact of Express Toll Lanes on I-405 in Bellevue Area
Dave Tallent and Judy Clark, City of Bellevue, Bellevue, OR, USA
2011-09-16, Model City 2011
Abstract Tallent_Impact_of_I405_Hot_Lanes.pdf   size: 7.66 KB 
Tallent_2011EMMEdt_03-40.pdf   size: 34.93 MB 
Tallent_2011EMMEdt_03-40.ppt   size: 6.18 MB 

Using value-of-time distributions in auto assignment to forecast effects of road pricing schemes with non-additive charges
Leonid Engelson and Dirk van Amelsfort, WSP Sweden AB, Stockholm, Sweden
2011-09-16, Model City 2011
Engelson.pdf   size: 2.69 MB 
Engelson.ppt   size: 8.02 MB 
Abstract Engelson_INRO_abstract_multipassage.pdf   size: 13.59 KB 

Modeling Various Tolling Schemes Using Emme: Seattle Experience
Bhanu Yerra, Andrew J. Natzel and Youssef Dehghani, Parsons Brinckerhoff; Craig Helmann, Puget Sound Regional Council, Seattle, WA, USA
2011-09-16, Model City 2011
Abstract Yerra_AbstractEmmeConf_28Jul11.pdf   size: 29.33 KB 
Emme_Tolling_SeattleExperience.pdf   size: 1.7 MB 
Emme_Tolling_SeattleExperience.pptx   size: 4.64 MB 

Dynamic Traffic Assignment: Integrating Dynameq into Long Range Planning Studies
Richard Walker, Peter Bosa and Scott Higgins, Metro, Portland, OR, USA
2011-09-16, Model City 2011
Abstract Walker_EMME_User_Group_Meeting-Abstract.pdf   size: 9.22 KB 
DTA_in_Planning-Walker.pdf   size: 4.34 MB 
DTA_in_Planning-Walker.pptx   size: 3.16 MB 

TRPC Smart Corridors: Implementing DTA using Dynameq
Bharath Paladugu, Thurston Regional Planning Council, Olympia, WA, USA
2011-09-16, Model City 2011
Dynameq_DTA_Emme_Conference_0911.pptx   size: 11.32 MB 
Abstract Paladugu_TRPC_DTA_Abstract.pdf   size: 9.47 KB 
Dynameq_DTA_Emme_Conference_0911.pdf   size: 3.6 MB 

Getting on the MOVES: Using Dynameq and the US EPA MOVES Model to Measure the Air Pollution Emissions
Chris Breiland, Fehr & Peers, Kirkland, WA, USA
2011-09-16, Model City 2011
Dynameq-MOVES-V1.pdf   size: 3.8 MB 
Dynameq-MOVES-V1.ppt   size: 3.57 MB 
Abstract Breiland_EMME_Conference_Abstract.pdf   size: 11.79 KB 

Using the Parkride2.mac Macro to Model Park and Ride and Ride Demand in the Puget Sound Region
Mark Charnews, PSRC, Seattle, WA, USA
2011-09-16, Model City 2011
Abstract Charnews_Park_and_Ride_modeling.pdf   size: 8.6 KB 
EMME11Parkride2csf1.pdf   size: 976.08 KB 
EMME11Parkride2csf1.ppt   size: 2.26 MB 

Incorporating Traffic Operations into Demand Forecasting Model
Daniel Ghile and Stephen Gardner, EBA Engineering Consultants Ltd., Vancouver, BC, Canada
2011-09-16, Model City 2011
EMME_conference_Presentation-September_2011.ppt   size: 682 KB 
Abstract Ghile_EBA_Portland_September_2011.pdf   size: 1.47 MB 
EMME_conference_Presentation-September_2011.pdf   size: 1.69 MB 

Detailed Intersection Modelling Based on Analysis of the Interaction of Confilcting Traffic Movements
Edwin Hull and Billy Kwok, AECOM, Burnaby, BC, Canada
2011-09-16, Model City 2011
Detailed_Intersection_Modelling.pdf   size: 956.13 KB 
Detailed_Intersection_Modelling.pptx   size: 8.21 MB 
Abstract Hull_abstract.pdf   size: 11.18 KB 

Dave Unsworth's presentation about the re-development of the South Waterfront District was great context for a fun neighborhood walkabout, the spectacular ride on the aerial tram, and touring its impressive mechanical and control rooms.

South Waterfront Area
Dave Unsworth, TriMet Capital, Portland, OR, USA
2011-09-14, Model City 2011
SouthWaterfrontDistrict.pdf size: 9.5 MB

TRB's DTA Primer Published – July 2011

TRB has published Dynamic Traffic Assignment: A Primer, designed to help explain the basic concepts and definitions of DTA models and to address the application, selection, planning, and execution of a DTA model. The report also describes the general DTA modeling procedure and modeling issues that may concern a model user.

Topics include:

• Why Dynamic Traffic Assignment?
• DTA in a Nutshell
• Decision Making for Applying DTA Tools
• General Modeling Process

The report is the fruition of many months of volunteer effort over the last two years by seven well-known leaders in the field, including INRO's own Michael Mahut.

Emme 3.4.1 Now Available – July 2011

Emme 3.4.1 is a maintenance release that adds a strategy-based analysis framework in addition to the already existing transit path-based analysis framework to Analysis for strategy transit assignment with variants (Emme Prompt Module 6.27). The transit path-based analysis framework first released in Emme 3.4.0 provides a new, higher resolution analysis tool, allowing the analyst to consider details per path, rather than per strategy; it allows many more detailed, local analyses (for example, line-to-line transfers, etc.). However, for more aggregate results that do not require individual path consideration (for example, average of a user-defined attribute), the use of strategy-based analysis, introduced with this version, may be preferable due to its computational efficiency.

Emme 3.4.1 also addresses various user requests on Emme 3.4.0, including a smoother progress bar during emmebank upgrade, matrix table summary export, various Emme Prompt fixes related to file batchin/batchout and the legacy modules (2.12 and 6.11), and more. Consult the release notes for details.

Emme 3.4.1 is a recommended update for all. Download today! Emme is provided with a bundled ArcGIS Engine Runtime 10.0 SP2, which improves stability for Bing Maps and other tiled map services. If you already have the latest version of ArcGIS installed or if you want to maintain your machine on an older version of ArcGIS, you may choose to download the smaller Emme installation package.

Registration now open for Model City 2011– July 2011

INRO and Portland Metro invite you to register for Model City 2011, the 22nd International Emme Users' Conference in Portland, Oregon. Model City 2011 is INRO's feature users' conference, a gathering of the world's leading transport planners and modellers to share knowledge, applications, and critical perspective, and hear about the latest innovations and methodological developments from INRO.

MODEL CITY 2011 22nd International Emme Users' Conference September 15-16, 2011

Learn more about the technical program, the call for papers, social events, the venue and accommodations, registration, training, and more at www.inrosoftware.com/ModelCity2011.

We look forward to seeing you in Portland!

Emme 3.4 Now Available – June 2011

Emme 3.4 introduces the new Strategy Transit Assignment with Variants module, permitting explicit specification of generalized cost components, optional prohibition of connector-to-connector paths, options to distribute flow between connectors at centroids and a new option to distribute flow between attractive lines at stops that considers travel time in addition to frequency. The strategies resulting from this new assignment can be used in a wider variety of analyses without having to redo the assignment each time.

Some applications that make use of the new Transit Strategy Assignment with Variants: better accommodate spatial/uneven distribution of demand within zones using options to distribute flow at connectors (results shown in red above); smoother sensitivity to competing parallel services, such as express lines, using options to distribute flow between attractive lines at stops; differences in comfort at transit stops with benches, shelters, and other services using node-specific boarding costs; account for the relative attractiveness of walk links with sidewalks and low vehicular traffic volume using auxiliary transit generalized cost perception factors; and compute line-to-line transfers using new transit path-based analyses.

The new Transit Strategy Assignment with Variants can generate results consistent with the Standard Transit Assignment for users who want to take advantage of the improved strategy analysis.

Emme 3.4 also introduces support for double precision node coordinates, increased link length range, and longer file names for Emme Prompt input/output files, as well as two new licence sizes to analyze up to 8000 zones. Additionally, the number of transit segments available for each licence has doubled to permit more advanced transit applications.

Emme Desktop expression evaluations are now performed in double precision, offering better correspondence with Emme Prompt modules. Emme Desktop performance has been optimized for faster scenario load time and refresh data operations, especially for remote databases.

Other enhancements include a streamlined style widget, matrix table summary statistics, enhancements to the Network Editor, and more.

Emme 3.4 is a recommended update for all. Download today!

Emme Modeller Available Now in Limited Release – May 2011

Emme Modeller™ is a revolutionary new application framework for travel demand forecasting, transportation planning and related applications. It provides planners and transport modellers with the acclaimed flexibility and performance of the Emme® travel demand forecasting system via a refreshing new user interface and an amazing new component-based development system that promotes true model transparency and re-use. Visit our Modeller page to learn more.

Modeller is now available in limited release. Emme users may request to join the Beta program by sending an e-mail to support@inrosoftware.com.

Emme 3.3.4 Now Available - March 2011

Emme 3.3.4 is a maintenance release that provides several enhancements. Among other improvements, the ArcGIS plug-in adds support for ESRI ArcGIS® 10 and introduces seamless access to online Bing® (Roads, Aerial and Hybrid) maps from Emme Desktop worksheets.

Emme 3.3.4 is a recommended update, and available for all users who have a valid software support agreement. Download today!

Read more announcements.