Microscopic-Macroscopic Models Systems Integration: A Simulation Case Study for ATMIS

This article proposes the integration of both microscopic and macroscopic simulation and focuses on two main issues: a methodology for calibration/validation and the integration of path dynamics on large networks. These are considered the most significant two challenges in microscopic simulation for decision support and analysis in Advanced Traffic Management and Information Systems (ATMIS). Then a methodology is described that brings to microscopic simulation the kind of capabilities for path processing and storage normally found only with macroscopic models, often due to the network representation being less detailed for those. This is based on a hybrid simulation approach. The example of integrating the Paramics microscopic simulation with the routing and behavior response simulation schemes as in the DYNASMART macroscopic model is used to explain a candidate methodology to enhance microscopic models for the evaluation of information/routing schemes in ATMIS.