An Open-Source Microscopic Traffic Simulator

TL;DR

This paper introduces an open-source Java-based microscopic traffic simulator designed for fundamental traffic dynamics research, enabling testing of traffic theories, models, driving behaviors, and intelligent transportation systems technologies.

Contribution

It provides a freely accessible tool focused on fundamental traffic phenomena, contrasting with commercial simulators that target specific road networks.

Findings

Supports testing of traffic jam theories and models

Allows analysis of driving styles and traffic rules effects

Facilitates research on ITS technologies like adaptive cruise control

Abstract

We present the interactive Java-based open-source traffic simulator available at www.traffic-simulation.de. In contrast to most closed-source commercial simulators, the focus is on investigating fundamental issues of traffic dynamics rather than simulating specific road networks. This includes testing theories for the spatiotemporal evolution of traffic jams, comparing and testing different microscopic traffic models, modeling the effects of driving styles and traffic rules on the efficiency and stability of traffic flow, and investigating novel ITS technologies such as adaptive cruise control, inter-vehicle and vehicle-infrastructure communication.