New concepts and approaches for traffic simulation in ATIS contexts

The innovation task here presented has been developed within the Department of Transportation Engineering (DIT) of the University of Naples "Federico II". The main aim of the research project here desribed has been to assess, disseminate, test in realistic contexts and further develop advanced dynamic traffic simulation models and new-geenration models and tools for Advanced Traveller Information Systems (ATIS). The research has focused on the dynamic simulation of traffic in presence of ATIS, which is one of the more challenging among ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) applications, mainly in terms of modelling capabilities. Most of the modelling and applicative tools developed so far lack in generality, have been developed for particular contexts and/or have been based on very simplified assumptions. Actually, none of the developed approaches is able to deal with the problem of a predictive and consistent designed traveller information and the so called "anticipatory route-guidance problem" is far to be resolved in general cases. The proposed modelling framework moves one step toward an effective and realistic resolution of the main ATIS-related scientific issues.