Generating Day Plans from (D-INF) Origin-Destination Matrices

Abstract

Traffic demand modeling was based for a long time on demand matri- ces, also called origin-destination-matrices (OD-matrices). These matrices were used by various traditional assignment models like VISUM [13] or EMME/2 [4]. But more and more microsimulation tools are becoming a major role in traffic demand modeling, because they offer several advan- tages over the assignment models. Because microsimulation models include decision making processes, some knowledge about the individual’s plans has to be given. This in- cludes also information about activity patterns, which are lacking in OD- matrices. Nevertheless, OD-matrices contain many useful information, particularly because they are often immediatly available. The question comes up how OD-matrices could be used to regenerated plans, which is discussed here. First approaches are shown by comparing VISUM—a traditional as- signment model—with MATSIM [8]—a microsimulation model—in a case study of the Zurich Area of Switzerland.