A qualitative model for the simulation of traffic behaviours in a multi-lane environment

Qualitative modelling of spatial relationships has often been considered as a context independent task in order to provide a reasoning model in generic form. Despite the significant interest in these models, there is still sufficient scope for context dependent reasoning in space and time. This paper proposes a qualitative spatial reasoning model, oriented to the modelling and simulation of several cars acting in a multi-lane circuit, which can be considered as an illustrative example of a constrained frame of reference. The modelling objects of interest are individual cars whose cardinal relationships to external cars and actions are modelled. This dynamic system is analysed, and a set of interrelationships is identified at different levels of abstraction, together with inference rules that model the displacement of several cars in a circuit. The potential of this model is illustrated and calibrated using an agent-based prototype.