Methods To Implement Geographic Information Systems For Validation Reasonableness Checks And Traffic Adjustment Of Transportation Planning Models

The Model Validation and Reasonableness Checking Manual and the Calibration and Adjustment of System Planning Models report include validation and reasonableness checks for socioeconomic data, network attributes and configuration, trip generation, trip distribution, mode choice, and traffic assignment. Of these various categories; input data, network attributes, and traffic assignment checks had the best fit with GIS. The use of GIS brings a time savings and graphic displays that summarize data in an easy to use format. Query and summary options assist in performing checks for either sub-areas or facility types. Likewise, GIS may be of assistance when it is necessary to adjust or refine traffic assignments. It is possible for the results from a regional travel demand model to not have the level of detail or accuracy needed in order to evaluate the impacts of a site development or corridor improvement project. Therefore, post-calibration of traffic assignments from regional travel demand models is crucial in the evaluation of such projects.