WWU TRANSPORTATION NETWORK

Ron Cubilles

Setup Steps

 

 

1.  Starting the TModel2 Program:

         MS Windows Explorer (file manager):

                  1. Copy the TMODEL2 file to your c:\temp directory

                  2. Open c:\temp\tmodel2 and scroll down to file Tmodel2.exe

                  3. Highlight this file and click with your mouse button -- model then starts

 

         WINDOWS:

                  1. Double click the TModel2 icon

                  2. Press <Return> twice when TModel2 starts.

 

2.  Loading the TModel2 Network Graphics Editor (mouse required).

         1. From the TModel2 Main Menu choose:

                            1) NETWORK CHARACTERISTICS

        

         2. From the TModel2 Network Characteristics Menu choose:

                            1) NETWORK GRAPHICS EDITOR/REPORTER

 

         3. From the Network Graphic Editor Menu choose:

                            4) ENTER GRAPHIC EDITOR

 

         (This should bring you to the Network Graphics Editor legend with a blank workspace)

 

 

3.  Spatial Data entry – three methods are available:

·  Use a digitizer (not covered here) or other device to build data sets outside of TMODEL

·  Include a “layer” or raw data in the graphic editor (see below)

·  Tape a transparency to the computer monitor (continues below)

 

Transparency method:

·        Xerox or in some other method prepare a transparency of a map or your study area

·        Tape the transparency to the monitor so the North arrow points to the top of the monitor and the outlined area fits within the black display workspace (leaving about a 1/2 inch margin).

Layer method:

·   Build a “layer” (basically an electronic map) of your study using ArcGIS or other software.  The final output should be in .dxf format or MapInfo or a TIGER file.

o       In ArcGIS create a shape or coverage of your study area

o       Using Arc Tools convert to .dxf file (may first require conversion of Shape file to Coverage in Arc Tools

o       From the Main Menu of TMODEL type

1.      4) Configuation/Conversion Utilities

2.      4) Conversion Utilities

3.      9) Layer Conversion Utility

4.      After this 4.4.9 procedure chose the proper method to convert to Layer for example 2) imports the .dxf for conversion to  Layer.  Other choices handle MapInfo files, Tiger Files, or even existing Node or Link files.

·  Finally before entering the Graphic editor, load the Layer file 1.1.10  upon entering the Graphic editor turn on the layer (click Layer 1  from OFF to ON)

 

4. Set the Scale of your base map transparency or layer.  This is necessary for the Network Graphics Editor to determine the distance of each link between nodes.

1.  Click on NODES

 

2.  Click on INSERT.  Using the left mouse button, enter two nodes for which you know the distance between in miles.  (For example choose a city block of known length – perhaps 1,000 feet)

 

3.  Click the right mouse button to cancel ( Note that CANCEL does not mean cancel the previous work, it really means end this task while saving your work and continue to next task)

 

4.  Click on NODES

 

5.  Click on ED NODE and then click on one of the nodes.  Record the X & Y values on a piece of paper.

 

6.  Click on ED NODE  and then click on the other node.  Record the X & Y values again.

 

7.  Using the following formula based on the Pathagarium Therome, using a hand calculator determine the points per mile:

                                                            

                [(Xi + Xj)2  + (Yi + Yj)2]0.5       

                 Known distance in miles           

 

                  Sample Calculation: Node 1; X=12357  Y=17777    Node 2; X=16856 Y=17534  

                                                      Known distance = 1.5 miles

 

                                                                                  

                  [(12357 +16856)2  + (17777 + 17534)2 ]0.5   =       45829   =   18,331 points per mile

                                    2.5                                                                 2.5                      

                 

8.  Click on TMODEL2

 

9. Click on EXIT GRPHCS to return to the Network Graphics Editor Menu

 

10. From the Network Graphics Editor Menu choose:

                            20) RETURN TO NETWORK CHARACTERISTICS MENU or simply type the character /

 

11.  From the Networks Characteristics Menu choose:

                            20) RETURN TO TMODEL2 MAIN MENU or simply type the character /

                                    1. Answer Y

        

12. From the TModel2 Main Menu choose:

                            1) NETWORK CHARACTERISTICS     

 

13. From the TModel Network Characteristics Menu choose:

                           3) NODE LINE EDITOR

        

14. From the Node Line Editor Menu choose:

                           2) ENTER SCALE FACTOR

 

15. Enter the points per mile value determined above (18,331 for the example).  Press RETURN to return to Menu

 

16. From the Node Line Editor Menu choose:

                           9) SAVE NODE FILE

                                    1. Press Return to accept the default directory

                                    2. Type your filename  (wwu was the filename used in this example) and press Return        

 

17. Select  20) RETURN TO NETWORK CHARACTERISTICS MENU

                  1. Answer Y, 'have you saved ALL FILES you need?'

 

18. Select  20) RETURN TO TMODEL2 MAIN MENU

                  1. Answer Y, 'you are sure' to the DAF array memory loss question.

 

 

5.  Entering your model NODES and LINKS Preliminary Steps

Load the TModel2 Network Graphics Editor again.

         1. From the TModel2 Main Menu choose:

                            1) NETWORK CHARACTERISTICS

        

         2. From the TModel2 Network Characteristics Menu choose:

                            1) NETWORK GRAPHICS EDITOR/REPORTER

 

         3. From the Network Graphic Editor Menu choose:

                           2) LOAD NODE FILE

                                    1.  Press <RETURN> to accept the default directory.

                                    2.  Enter the name of your Node (.nde) file.     (wwu for the example)

 

         3. From the Network Graphic Editor Menu choose:

                            4) ENTER GRAPHIC EDITOR

 

         (This should bring you to the Network Graphics Editor legend with a blank workspace again.)

         (However, this time you have ALREADY set the scale in advance so all link lengths will be calculated.)

 

                          

6. Entering Nodes (mouse required):

         1.  Click on NODES

 

         2.  Click on BUFFER (Note that the BUFFER must be set each time you change node CLASS, COLOR or other characteristic)

 

         3.  Using the mouse enter default settings for type of Nodes (Following values based on WWU example)

                  CLASS             Enter one of the following:

                                               1  for  Destinations (Parking Lots) (Represent Internal TAZs in our example, MUST always be entered first)

                                               2  for  External (Represent external traffic generator points, MUST always enter after Internal TAZ nodes)

                                               3  for  All other nodes representing intersections (Always enter these third)     

                  AREA                'blank' (can be used to subdivide your Nodes perhaps controlled or uncontrolled intersections)

                  TYPE                 'blank' (more detail)

                  CAPACITY       'blank' (used to limit flow through node)

                  NODE DELAY    'blank' (used if there are controls or other reasons to expect delays at a node/intersection)

                  (Click on Color)        

                  COLOR             Enter one of the following:

                                             15  for  Intersections

                                             10  for  External

                                             12  for  Destinations (Parking lots)

 

         4.  Click on NODES

 

         5.  Click on INSERT.  Using the mouse, enter the nodes in groups by class as seen on transparency.  (REMEMBER to change the Buffer before entering differing node classes)

 

                  1. Enter all Destination nodes FIRST

                  2. Enter all External nodes SECOND

                  3. Enter all remaining nodes THIRD

 

         6.  Click the right mouse button CANCEL  when done inserting nodes.

 

7.  Entering Links: 

         1.  Click on LINKS

 

         2.  Click on BUFFER

 

         3.  Enter default settings for type of Links

                  CLASS             'blank'

                  AREA                'blank'

                  TYPE                 Select one of the following (for the example):

                                               1  for  Zone Connectors  (connectors to origin/destination nodes usually to TAZ centroids or collector streets)

                                               2  for  Internal Thoroughfares or Artierials (remember to keep your model simple)

                                               3  for  External Arterials entering or exiting your study cordone

                  12 WAY             2  indicates if this is a one or two way street, usually 2 for two way   

                  LANES             1  indicates the number of lanes going each way, most two way streets have one lane each way

                  CAPACITY       Select one of the following (for the example):

                                               32000 for Zone Connectors (Note this also is the MAXIMUM flow allowable per lane in TMODEL)

                                                 1000 for Streets with median barriers      

                                                   800 for all other streets

                  LENGTH          'blank'   (Note this is not required if we have scaled our model and the street is correctly represented)

                  SPEED             25   (in our example we limit speed to 25mph near WWU, can be anything)

                  AB VOL            'blank'  (after model solution flow in direction “a” to “b” will be registered here)

                  BA VOL            'blank'   (this will be flow in the opposite direction “b” to “a”)

                  COLOR             Select one of the following (for the example)

                                                 2  for Zone Connectors

                                               14  for Internal

                                               13  for External

 

         4.  Click on LINKS

 

         5.  Click on INSERT.  Using the mouse, enter the links in groups by class as seen on the transparency or layer.  (REMEMBER to change Buffer before entering differing node classes).

 

         6.  Click the right mouse button CANCEL when done inserting links.

 

 

8. Exit the Networks Graphic Editor and SAVE you Link, Node, & Attribute files:

         1. Click on TMODEL2

 

         2. Click on EXIT GRPHCS to return to the Network Graphics Editor Menu

 

         3. From the Network Graphics Editor Menu Select

5) SAVE LINK FILE

                  1. Press Return to accept the default directory

                  2. Type the filename (for the example use WWU) and press Return

 

         4. Select 

6) SAVE NODE FILE

                  1. Press Return twice.  (TModel2 will assume you want the same filename prefix)

 

         5. Select 

7) SAVE ATTRIBUTE FILE

                  1. Press Return twice.  (TModel2 will assume you want the same filename prefix)

 

         6. Select 

20) RETURN TO NETWORK CHARACTERISTICS MENU

 

         7. Select 

20) RETURN TO TMODEL2 MAIN MENU

                  1. Answer Y, 'you are sure' to the DAF array memory loss question.

 

9.  Creating a Streetnames Dictionary

         1.  Select 

4) CONFIGURATION/CONVERSION UTILITIES

 

         2.  Select 

5) STREETNAMES DICTIONARY

 

         3.  Create a list of street names.

                  1. Press the SPACE BAR

                  2. Select 

1)Add

                  3. Type in the street names

                  4. Press / to quit adding names

 

         4. Press

5) Alpha Sort to alphabetize the list.

 

         5. Press

8) Save file.

                  1. Press <RETURN> to accept the default directory

                  2. Enter filename (for the example WWU as the file name).

                  3. Press / to return to the Configuration/Conversion Utilities Menu

                  4. Press

20) RETURN TO MAIN MENU

 

10.  Assigning the street names

         1.  Return to the Networks Graphics Editor Menu (1.1)

 

         2.  Load your Link (.lnx), Node (.nde), and Attribute (.daf) files.

                  1.  Select 

1) LOAD LINK FILE

                           1.  Press <RETURN> to accept the default directory.

                           2.  Enter the name of your Link (.lnx) file.

 

                  2.  Select  

2) LOAD NODE FILE

                           Press <RETURN> twice to accept default directory & name.

 

                  3.  Select  

3) LOAD ATTRIBUTE FILE

                           Press <RETURN> twice to accept default directory & name.

 

                  4.  Select  

9) STREETNAMES FILE NAME

                           1.  Press <RETURN> to accept the default directory.

                           2.  Enter the name of your street names file from Step 7.5.2. then <RETURN>

 

         3.  Select 

4) ENTER GRAPHIC EDITOR

 

         4.  Click on

LINKS

NAMES

ASSIGN

 

Then using the mouse, select the + and - signs at the top of the screen to select a street name to assign.

 

Then Click the appropriate link.

 

Repeat these steps until all the street names have been assigned.

 

         5.  Click on

Show

 

Then

Click the appropriate Links with the left mouse button.

 

         6.  Indicate where to position name with the mouse and click the right mouse button .

 

         7.  Repeat until all street names have been positioned.

 

         8.  Click the right mouse button to CANCEL (end) placing street names.

 

         9.  Exit the Networks Graphic Editor and SAVE you Link, Node, & Attribute files:

 

                  1. Click on

TMODEL2

EXIT GRPHCS

        

                  2. Select  5, 6, & 7 to save your files (See above).

 

11. Exit the Networks Graphic Editor and SAVE you Link, Node, & Attribute files:

         1. Click on TMODEL2

 

         2. Click on EXIT GRPHCS

 

         3. Select  5, 6, & 7 to save your files (See step 6).

 

         4. From the Network Graphics Editor Menu choose:

                            20) RETURN TO NETWORK CHARACTERISTICS MENU

 

         5.  From the Networks Characteristics Menu choose:

                            20) RETURN TO TMODEL2 MAIN MENU

                                                1. Answer Y

 

        

12.  Create an Origin & Destination file (and assign Trip Generation Values)

        

         1. From the TModel2 Main Menu Select in order:

2) Travel/Land Use Characteristics            

2) Trip Generation Type 2

5) Enter/Edit Origins & Destinations

 

         2.  Enter the Origin & Destination values from the data sets created outside TMODEL based on Trip Generation for each of the

               Internal  Zones followed by the External Zones. (NOTE order is important between internal and external nodes)

 

3.  Once all data is entered type / to return to menu

 

         4. From menu select

14) Save Origin and Dest. File

   Total Number of Internal and External Zones                              is 23 for the example

Highest Internal Zone Number                                                                        16

Press Return to accept the Origin/Destination File directory

Enter the Origin/Destination File name (.ond)                                 wwu

Press Return

 

         5. Select

20) Return to Travel/Land Use Menu

Enter Y to whether you have saved all the files you need

20) Return to TModel2 Main Menu

 

13. Creating a Simulation Run (TRIP DISTRIBUTION using Gravity Model)

         1.  From the TModel2 Main Menu select

3) Simulation Runs

3/4) Full Featured Distribution/Assignment

1) Sequential DNA Data Entry

3) Create D&A Set-up, save to disk

Enter Node Source File directory                                                                      for example   C:\temp\wwu\

Enter Node Source File name (.nde)                                                                            wwu

Press Return to accept Node Delay Coefficients directory                                basically accepting default values

Enter NONE as Node Delay Coefficients File name (.ndc)                                 for example aren’t using node delays

Return twice to accept Link Source File (.lnx)  directory and file                               wwu

Press Return to accept Link Delay Coefficients File directory                          as above are not using delays

Enter NONE as Link Delay Coefficients File name (.ldc)                                                none

Return twice to accept Link Storage File directory and default name (.llx)      wwu

Press Return to accept Turn Penalty File directory                                             as above we have no turn penalties

Enter NONE as Turn Penalty File name (.tnp)                                                                   none

Enter N when asked whether to save turn movements                                         n

Enter .90 for Travel Time Weight                                                                            .90 is  how much travel time effects solution

Enter .10 for Travel Distance Weight                                                                      .10 is how much distance effects solution

 

         2. At Vine Options select

1) Build and Use Vines

 

         3. Enter N when asked whether to save Incremental Travel Time Matrices                      more detail then we need

 

         4. Select

3) Distribution and Assignment

 

         5. Return twice to accept the Origin and Destination Source File directory and

Origin and Destination Source Filename (.ond)                                                                      wwu

 

         6.  Enter N when asked whether to Select Zone Loading Information                               more detail then we need

 

         7. Enter 1 for the number of trip types                                                                                    more then one type can be included

               Enter 1 for the First Trip Type to be used for distribution                                              since we only have one we use 1

 

         8. Enter Y to accept Default Exponent Values for the Gravity Model                                 we can adjust the b value if we want

 

         9. Enter 10 for the maximum number of Gravity Model Iterations                           can be adjusted up or down

 

         10. Enter .01 for the Maximum Destination Error                                                                 again can be adjusted

 

         11. Enter N when asked whether to Load Trip Table Input File                              again not using these options

 

         12. Enter N when asked whether to Save Partial Trip Tables                                            again more detail then we desire

 

         13. Return twice to accept the Trip Table Storage File directory

Trip Table Storage Filename (.ttb)                                                                                            wwu

 

         14. Select

1) Incremental Loading for Assignment Type                                                      determines number of steps to load trips

Enter 6 for the number of Increments                                                                      can have more or less steps

Enter .3 for the percentage to be loaded during the first increment                 .3

Enter .2 for the percentage to be loaded during the second increment                       .2

Enter .2 for the percentage to be loaded during the third increment                .2

Enter .1 for the percentage to be loaded during the fourth increment              .1

Enter .1 for the percentage to be loaded during the fifth increment                 .1

Enter .1 for the percentage to be loaded during the sixth increment                .1

                                                                                                                                                            Note these must add to 1.0 so all trips are loaded

Enter N to whether to Save a Selected Link Trip Table                                      

Enter N to Printout Network Consistency Errors                                                  

Enter Y to Trace All Outputs                                                                        

Enter N to Print Destination Balancing Statistics                                     

Enter Y to Print Out Set-up Procedure                                                                  

Return twice to accept the D&A Parameters Storage File directory

and Distribution & Assignment Parameters Storage File name (.dna)              wwu

        

         15.  Select

3/4) Full Featured Dist/Assgn

2) Full Screen DNA Editor     

Either using arrow keys and Return or Left Mouse Button Click on Load

Enter the Distribution & Assignment Parameters Storage File name (.dna)     wwu

(If possible WITH THE PRINTER OFFLINE) Click on Run with arrow keys and return key

or the  mouse button

                 

16.  Select

20) Return to TModel2 Main Menu

Then go to the graphics editor and load .llx file and .nde files to see results

(Note .lnx link files have no traffic flows, .llx are created from Gravity Models and have flows, for nodes the .nde file receives flows after gravity model solution).

 

14. To End all work Click on

99) EXIT TMODEL2

Answer Y to 'Are you sure' question.                                                                         y