Interfaces

Timetable data from timetable

information systems (DIVA
interface)

In PTV Visum, you can easily import network and timetable data from the DIVA system (company mdv,
Mentz Datenverarbeitung GmbH). This not only provides an initial supply, but also enables an update of
the data. For the export from DIVA, mdv provides an interface to PTV Visum. Setting up a network with
DIVA data consists of two steps:
Setup of the network data and infrastructure (coordinates, links, stops, etc.)
Setup of the timetable (lines, line routes, run times, etc.)
If route courses were set manually in DIVA, this information can be transferred to PTV Visum.

Timetable data from timetable
information systems (HAFAS
interface)

Via the HAFAS import interface, you can import network and timetable data from the HAFAS system
(company HaCon). With HAFAS data you can both build up new network and update existing networks.
Setting up a network with HAFAS data consists of two steps:
Setup of the network data and infrastructure (coordinates, links, stops, operators etc.)
Setup of the timetable (lines, line routes, run times, etc.)

Timetable data from other
information systems

This module provides an interface between Microbus, an IVU product, and PTV Visum. Microbus is a
software package for detailed planning of public transport operations, such as timetables, operation
schedules and driver rosters. The interface allows users to import timetable and vehicle scheduling data
from Microbus to Visum. Here, they can then analyse and assess the scenario in terms of travel demand
and profitability, for example. It is also possible to transfer timetable data from Visum to Microbus in
order to add further details.

railML import

The interface enables the import of railML files into PTV Visum. railML-standard is directed towards
railway organizations and includes aspects such as timetable, infrastructure, rolling stock, control and
safety technology etc. The import to PTV Visum focuses on timetable data. Timetable data and basic
information on vehicle usage are imported into an existing PuT network by matching the corresponding
elements (stops etc.) through their IDs.

railML export The railML export generates a xml file in line with railML-standard version 2.1. The file contains
network and time table data as well as information about the rolling stock, i.e. only the schemata
infrastructure, rollingstock, and timetable are written.

VDV 452 import
VDV 452 is common ASCII data format for the description of public transport data. It supports, for
example, the exchange of data between operational and planning divisions of public transport
operators. The VDV 452 import enables the import of network and time table data into PTV Visum.
Furthermore, information about fare zones and operations calendar can be taken into account.
Additionally, line blocks (incl. depots, empty trips and their system routes and vehicle units) can be
imported.

VDV 452 export Corresponding to the VDV 452 import, the VDV 452 export generates the relevant files in VDV 452
format from the network, timetable and line block data maintained in Visum in order to exchange them
with external systems.
PTV VISUM - MODULES

2

GIS interface for shape file
export

The add-on module GIS interface for Shape files allows you to export ESRI Shape files from PTV Visum.
Shape files may contain point, line, or area objects. During data export, the PTV Visum network objects
are coded into Shape files as general geometric objects. During export, it is also possible to transfer
object attributes.

MS SQL interface MS SQL interface enables the export of PTV Visum object data into a Microsoft SQL server database or
import data from the database into PTV Visum.

SVG export

This module allows you to export the current network view as a graphic file in SVG format (Scalable
Vector Graphics). The resulting files are suited for sharing model results on web pages or for further
processing in external tools.
The *.svg format is ideal as a graphics exchange format and offers numerous advantages compared to
other graphics formats: scalability without loss in quality, rotatable and infinite zoom, embedded
information on objects, interactive access to objects, manipulation through script, animation. Graphic
files in the *.svg format can be imported into PTV Visum again as background images.

PTV Vissim interface

This interface allows the Vision Traffic Suite to combine macroscopic analyses in PTV Visum with
microscopic traffic simulation in PTV Vissim. An abstract network model (ANM) is created from a PTV
Visum network and can then be imported into and edited in PTV Vissim.
For more convenient and detailed node editing with the PTV Vissim interface, the use of the Junction
editor (module) is recommended.


Private Transport (PrT)



Calendar

The Calendar module allows to specify service days like weekdays and weekends and to use them for
running dynamic assignments and applying time-dependent modifications of attributes to the network.

HBEFA Prediction of road emissions and fuel consumption is becoming increasingly important for evaluation of
environmental policies and infrastructural developments. Since Feb. 2010, the new HBEFA (Handbook
emission factors for road transport) is available. Meet the ever more stringent legislation for traffic in
cities using this module for your planning.

Private Transport (PrT)



ICA: node impedance
calculation


In PTV Visum, detailed evaluation of junction performance is enabled by the module Intersection
Capacity Analysis (ICA) which includes procedures of the US Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) to
calculate junction performance indicators.
The ICA module includes a complex junction model that reflects best practice in traffic engineering
analysis. ICA takes interdependencies between turning volumes at a junction into account, and
therefore provides more realistic results of junction capacity and delay analysis. The module supports
ICA calculations with respect to HCM 2000 and HCM 2010. The results of the calculation are provided in
an automatically created report which lists the detailed calculation results for each node. An additional
overview of the most important parameters of all nodes in the network facilitates analysis.

PTV Visum Safety The Safety module adds a road safety dimension to your traffic model. Using the module, you will be
able to import and analyse accident data. One of its functions is filtering data and providing a clear
overview of this on the transport network. Thanks to the Heatmap, accident black spots are available at
a glance and are displayed in line with the criteria you have chosen to set. Black spots can be generated
and stored manually or automatically for subsequent analysis. With the reporting function, you receive
detailed information about each and every accident. Group evaluation enables you to identify
similarities between accidents and draw conclusions for traffic planning purposes.





3

Ring barrier controller (RBC)

External controllers in PTV Visum can be of type RBC. The corresponding interface allows users to define
the basic signal timings, detectors (for vehicles, pedestrians, and transit), and a number of other features
such as coordination, preempts or transit priority. The values are stored in external RBC data files with
the .rbc file extension. These can be directly imported from PTV Visum into PTV Vissim or vice versa at
any time. Ring Barrier Controllers are commonly used in North America.

Signal control-offset time-
optimization

In addition to the optimization of the green time and cycle time for individual signal controllers (SC),
PTV Visum also provides a way of coordinating several SCs by adjusting the offset times.
More specifically, the optimization of the SC-offset times serves to coordinate the given signal time
programs of adjacent signalized junctions in such a way that the total waiting time for all vehicles is kept
to a minimum. The coordination for signal controlled nodes along a corridor is aimed to allow vehicles to
pass through green on all SCs on this route section (progressive signal system). In order to perform the
offset time optimization, it is necessary to model the nodes in detail including their signal control and to
provide the result of an assignment which represents the traffic conditions in the network.

TRIBUT toll module

The TRIBUT module contains a special PrT assignment method that accounts for road toll.
"Conventional" approaches use a constant value of time to calculate road toll. Basically costs (toll fees)
are then converted into time and standard mono-criteria assignment methods can be directly applied.
Unlike the conventional approach, TRIBUT applies a random time value. Therefore, TRIBUT calculates
the route search and choice based on two separate sets of criteria: time and costs (bi-criteria). During
the last few years, this method has been applied to evaluate privately funded toll motorways in France.
In contrast to the conventional approach, it is characterised by a more realistic price elasticity
concerning the use of toll roads.

Environment: PrT noise and
pollutants

The PTV Visum add-on module Environment calculates environmental impacts such as noise and
pollutants caused by motorised private transport. Results are presented in graphs and tables. The
following models are available for calculating environmental impacts:
Calculation of noise emission levels according to 'RLS-90'
Calculation of air pollution emissions in accordance with emission factors of the Swiss Federal Office
for the Environment (FOEN)

Vissig

Manage and process several signal programs for a fixed-time signal control. Vissigs enables you to
quickly and easily access each element. It can be used to design controls that can be saved to an external
file (*.sig format). They can be imported from PTV Visum into PTV Vissim or vice versa at any time.
The graphical editor integrated into Vissig enables easy editing or modifying the controls. Changed
signal time plans or interstages are only few mouse clicks away. Other compelling Vissig features
provided in PTV Visum and PTV Vissim are:
Management of several intergreen matrices and signal programs
Editing of interstages and signal time plans
Green time optimisation
Operation of different daily signal programs

Public Transport (PuT)


Detailed line blocking


The detailed line blocking module extends the basic line blocking functionality provided by the Line
Costing module.
Vehicle deployment can be further optimised by allowing to choose from a set of suitable vehicle
combinations.
Forced chainings can be modelled as previous or successive relations.
Secondary criteria can be used for a systematic selection among equally good solutions.
You can assign a number of possible vehicle types to a trip. During the optimisation procedure the
vehicle type is chosen that allows for a minimum deployment of vehicles. For vehicle selection, the
software can also consider passenger volumes calculated during assignment or based on survey data as
well as the vehicle's capacity to ensure demand-optimised vehicle deployment.
Note:The modules Graphical timetable editor and Line Costing are required for line blocking and
represent the basis for use of the detailed line blocking module.


4

Calendar

Using the Calendar module, you can show and edit a weekly or an annual timetable in PTV Visum.
Thereby the service days are shown. It is also possible to show a specific service on weekdays or to
define special regulations for holidays. Additionally, when importing data from timetable and service
programs, you can transfer complete timetables.
Weekly calendar: You can describe the travel demand and PuT services for each day of the week,
determine the weekday schedule for each line or enter a projection for each day.
Annual timetable: In the network model, you are able to specify a period (e.g. "daily" or "Sat.
5/18/10") for the service days.

Line costing and revenue
calculation

This module enables to analyzing the efficiency and cost recovery level of a PuT system, its service units
and service lines. The results can be separated by operators and service areas. The costs are calculated
based on vehicle deployment, the use of stops and routes as well as on general, operator-specific
attributes and the respective rates.

Passenger onboard survey
and e-ticketing data

Passenger surveys usually do not include the passengers' complete trip within the PuT network -
especially when they transfer several times or who walk from one stop to another to transfer. In general
the following data is gathered when boarding the vehicle :
Boarding stop on the survey line
Alighting stop on the survey line,
Initial boarding stop of the trip,
Final stop of the trip and
other trip details (e.g. type of ticket, purpose of the journey)
The module is used to check and complement trip-based passenger information. It is primarily based on
computer-aided modelling of the survey-relevant PuT supply and on parameters for reconstructing
incomplete or correcting wrong trip data.
From route information and by means of so-called direct assignment, a PTV Visum version file is
created. It allows you to perform all common procedures, e.g. route evaluation according to the number
of traversed zones, the generation of demand matrices and visualisation of passenger volumes per links,
stops, and lines.

Schematic line diagram

The Schematic Line Diagram (also known as Timetable-network-graph) is used for visualizing a Public
Transport network and time-table in a schematic display known from network maps provided by many
Public Transport organizations. This kind of display supports the planning of Public Transport supply by
providing a quick overview on connections and line routes. Extensive graphics parameters, bars and
labeling options allow presenting the most important aspects like service frequencies, departure times,
service type, operators or model results like capacities, volumes or transfer flows in an informative and
intuitive way. The initial positioning of the stops and routing of edges is supported by automated
positioning algorithms, but can be adapted manually. The smart data model allows transferring a layout
to other variants of a network or time-table, thus minimizing the effort for maintaining the diagram. The
possibility to export the graphic to SVG allows passing it to other departments postprocessing for
customer information

Demand calculation


EVA demand calculation
method


This method provides an alternative approach for three stages (trip generation, trip distribution and
mode choice) of the conventional 4-stage traffic planning model. Developed by Prof. Lohse (Dresden
University of Technology), this new model is characterized by a variety of features:
Method of balancing the differences between origin and destination traffic: If trip generation and trip
distribution are calculated independently, i.e. one after the other and above all separately for each
activity pair as in the standard 4-stage model, differences frequently occur between the origin and
destination traffic of the zones. The EVA model links generation and distribution by an explicit
constraints step to make up for the differences.
Simultaneous calculation of destination choice and mode choice: In the EVA model, trip distribution
and mode choice are performed simultaneously, i.e. by applying a one-stage discrete choice model
to three-dimensional utility matrices indexed according to origin zone, destination zone and mode.



5

Visem demand calculation

This model is based on the concatenation of activities that create a "mobility program". The population
is divided into "behaviour groups" for typical trip chains (e.g. employees with a car, pupils ).
Calculations performed with Visem also consider socio-demographic and transportation policy issues.
Visem calculates three logical work units: trip generation, trip distribution and mode choice. These
logical units are interlocked. Trip distribution and mode choice are calculated simultaneously, with a
single method. For all three work units, the calculations are based on the behaviour-homogenous groups
and activity chains.

TFlowFuzzy FlowFuzzy allows enhancing PuT and PrT trip matrices using current count data and reference values.
The new matrix data is calculated by an iterative method based on routes com-puted from individual OD
pairs. This is for the following cases:
A demand matrix based on empirical survey data is outdated. Goal is to update it without having to
conduct a new (origin-destination) survey. The update shall be based on census data only.
Goal is to calibrate a matrix generated from the transport network model using count volume data.
Goal is to improve a matrix generated from incomplete or unreliable data using current and more
complete/reliable count volume data.
A survey contains the trip distance distribution, but the model does not reflect the data at the level of
accuracy required.
TFlowFuzzy soves this problem for PuT and for PrT. The update affects the demand matrix and refers to
total volumes. You can combine the following count and survey data:
Link volumes
Origin/destination travel demand per zone
Volumes of turns at nodes or main turns at main nodes (as long as they are defined)
Volume screenlines
PuT passenger trips
Boarding/alighting passengers at stop areas
Skim data distribution, e.g. trip distance distribution

NCHRP255

This add-on module is based on an algorithm described in Report 255 of the National Cooperative
Highway Research Program (NCHRP). It can be used as post-processor of assignment results. Based on
counts and assignment results for a base case and for a future scenario correction factors for volumes
are calculated. The results include corrected link and turn volumes for the future scenario.

Network editing


Extension to GIS network size


When creating a traffic model, traffic engineers will eventually resort to detailed navigation networks
provided by external suppliers.
When importing this data, a large number of links and nodes is generated. This means that larger
system networks are required.
The add-on module Extension to GIS network size is a low-cost solution that allows you to extend your
system network in order to include more nodes and links.
External GIS data is easily imported into PTV Visum using the Shape format. During data import into
PTV Visum, all GIS data can be assigned to user-defined attributes.

Junction editor

It allows you to model all junction details in a single view, from the node and turn attributes to the
complete junction.
Different views show the different aspects of the junction:
Nodes: shows the basic node attributes and the major flow
Links: shows the attributes of all approach links of a node, e.g. the number of lanes or their
geographic orientation
Turns: shows the macroscopic attributes of all turns
Geometry: the node model for node geometry, including lanes and lane turns
Signal times: shows the signal times for signal group-based and stage-based signal controls
The Nodes, Links and Turns views are standard views in PTV Visum and replace the former dialogues
"Edit node" and "Edit turn". The Geometry and Signal times views are only available with the Junction
editor add-on.

6

Subnetwork generator

Subnetwork generator is a module for generating a subnetwork from a PTV Visum network. Generating
a subnetwork can be useful when you want to export part of the network to PTV Vissim to examine it on
a microscopic level.

The network detail generated is exported together with its demand matrices and produces analogous
assignment results.

Graphical timetable editor The Graphical timetable editor complements the tabular one since its display options provide an
optimum overview of the current planning status and trip-related information:
Display and editing of all or selected timetable trips in time-distance or distance-time diagrams
Display of one or several lines, selection of stops for display, control of order of stops
Trip-differentiated display according to certain attributes (e.g. day, line, vehicle type, operator, etc.)
Intelligent combination of tabular and graphical display for selection, insertion, editing and deleting
of trips
Visualisation of additional service trip details, e.g. number of passengers per route section per trip
(based on assignments), automatic passenger count results or the deviations between actual and
scheduled departure times
In the time-distance diagram you can also show the assignment of individual trips to blocks
The blocks can be displayed in bar diagrams (Gantt charts) for interactive editing

Distributed Computing This module allows to distribute the calculation of selected procedures or scenarios of a Visum project
across several computation nodes. Thereby, the procedures or scenarios are evaluated simultaneously
making the results be quicker available for analysis and evaluation. The computation nodes must be
connected over the network and require matching, licensed versions of Visum to be installed, which are
bundled into a license group. The distributed computation on these nodes is controlled from the project
view opened in one of the Visum installation. All input data and results are transferred to/from the
computation nodes automatically. It is possible to limit the availability for distributed computing of
individual computation nodes to specific time windows in order to reserve their resources for other
purposes.

Visum Engine To fully leverage the potential of distributed computing, PTV offers a new license scheme at reduced
costs for exclusive usage as computation nodes in distributed computing. Therefore, such licenses can
only be used in conjunction with a full Visum license with the add-on module Distributed computing.