synchro getting started and whats new in version 8

Synchro Studio 8 Getting Started and What’s New in Version 8

Synchro Studio 8, Warrants 8, & TripGen 2013 Getting Started and What’s New (Updated May 6, 2013)

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Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 1‐1

LICENSE OPTIONS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 1‐1 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR WINDOWS VISTA OR WINDOWS 7 USERS ................................................................................................. 1‐1 SYNCHRO STUDIO 8, WARRANTS 8, AND TRIPGEN 2013 INSTALLATION .............................................................................................. 1‐3 TO ACTIVATE SYNCHRO STUDIO 8, WARRANTS 8, AND TRIPGEN 2013 ............................................................................................... 1‐4 TO DEACTIVATE SYNCHRO STUDIO 8, WARRANTS 8, AND TRIPGEN 2013 ............................................................................................ 1‐5 SIMTRAFFIC DEMO VERSION ........................................................................................................................................................ 1‐6 TO VIEW SAMPLE FILES .............................................................................................................................................................. 1‐6 LIST OF SAMPLE FILES ................................................................................................................................................................. 1‐6

CHAPTER 2 ‐ WHAT’S NEW IN SYNCHRO AND SIMTRAFFIC ............................................................................................. 2‐1

FLOATING PALETTE .................................................................................................................................................................... 2‐1 ADDITIONAL FLOATING PALETTE INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................... 2‐2 MAP VIEW ‐ LINK MENU OPTIONS ............................................................................................................................................... 2‐3 Street Name Up/Down...................................................................................................................................................... 2‐3 Move Street Name ............................................................................................................................................................ 2‐3 Hide/Show Street Name ................................................................................................................................................... 2‐3 Switch Diagram Position ................................................................................................................................................... 2‐3 Move Volume Diagram ..................................................................................................................................................... 2‐4

USING BING™ TO ADD A BACKGROUND IMAGE ............................................................................................................................... 2‐4 Get Map Dialog Options ................................................................................................................................................... 2‐5

LANE SETTINGS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 2‐6 Link is Hidden .................................................................................................................................................................... 2‐6 Hide Street Name in Node Title......................................................................................................................................... 2‐6

MANDATORY STOP ON YELLOW ................................................................................................................................................... 2‐7 TIME TRACKER IN SYNCHRO ......................................................................................................................................................... 2‐7 SCENARIO MANAGER DIALOG ...................................................................................................................................................... 2‐8 INCREASE CYCLE AND SPLIT TIMES ................................................................................................................................................. 2‐8 NEW SYMBOLS ADDED TO PHASING DIAGRAM ................................................................................................................................ 2‐9 CHANGES FOR HCM 2010 ....................................................................................................................................................... 2‐10 DEFAULT DETECTOR SETTINGS ................................................................................................................................................... 2‐13 STREET NAME AND VOLUME LABEL BACKGROUNDS ....................................................................................................................... 2‐14 NEW REPORT INTERFACE .......................................................................................................................................................... 2‐15 ZOOM IN THE REPORT PREVIEW ................................................................................................................................................. 2‐16 PRINT WINDOW PREVIEW ......................................................................................................................................................... 2‐16 NEW REPORT HEADER OPTION .................................................................................................................................................. 2‐17 SCREEN RECORDER IN SIMTRAFFIC .............................................................................................................................................. 2‐17 ENABLE 3D FILE BUTTON .......................................................................................................................................................... 2‐17 NEW LANE CHANGE PARAMETERS .............................................................................................................................................. 2‐18 CREATE SSAM EXPORT ............................................................................................................................................................ 2‐18

CHAPTER 3 – WHAT’S NEW IN 3D VIEWER ..................................................................................................................... 3‐1

NEW MODEL CATEGORIES ........................................................................................................................................................... 3‐1 ADDING A MODEL OBJECT TO THE SCENE ....................................................................................................................................... 3‐1 SELECTING AN OBJECT ................................................................................................................................................................ 3‐2 CHANGING THE SIZE OF A MODEL ................................................................................................................................................. 3‐2 ADDING A CUSTOM MODEL IN 3DS FORMAT .................................................................................................................................. 3‐2 A NEW BUTTON FOR THE TOUR PANEL – FILMING ........................................................................................................................... 3‐2 GENERATE DIGITAL VIDEO PARAMETERS ........................................................................................................................................ 3‐3

Getting Started and What’s New (Updated May 6, 2013) Synchro Studio 8, Warrants 8, & TripGen 2013

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Predefined settings .......................................................................................................................................................... 3‐3 Parameters ....................................................................................................................................................................... 3‐3

CHAPTER 4 ‐ WHAT’S NEW IN WARRANTS .................................................................................................................... 4‐4

SUPPORT FOR 2009 MUTCD ..................................................................................................................................................... 4‐4 Revision to Warrant 4 for 2009 Methods ......................................................................................................................... 4‐4 Addition of New Warrant 9 for 2009 Methods ................................................................................................................ 4‐4

CHAPTER 5 ‐ WHAT’S NEW IN TRIPGEN 2013 ................................................................................................................. 5‐1

INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5‐1


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Chapter 1 – Introduction Welcome to the new and improved Synchro Studio 8, Warrants 8, and TripGen 2013 software applications. Trafficware's software suite is a complete solution for modeling, optimizing and visualizing traffic networks. Using Synchro Studio and Warrants, traffic professionals can easily analyze capacity and timing optimization as well as simulate, check and fine tune traffic signal operations. With Warrants 8, the user can check the need for a traffic signal based on user input traffic volumes. TripGen 2013 is an easy to use tool to determine the estimated number of trips generated by a variety of ITE land use categories.

License Options Synchro Studio includes the following purchase options.

Synchro Studio 8 (Synchro, SimTraffic, 3D Viewer and SimTraffic CI)

Synchro/SimTraffic 8 (includes SimTraffic CI software)

Synchro/SimTraffic 8 Light (includes SimTraffic CI software)

3D Viewer 8

Warrants 8 (Not part of Synchro Studio)

TripGen 2013 (Not part of Synchro Studio)

This Getting Started, Synchro Studio User Guide, Warrants 8 User Guide, and TripGen 2013 User Guide include information on the full product line. Depending on your license level, you may not have access to the full features of the Studio Suite, Warrants 8, or TripGen 2013. Contact Trafficware for details on licensing or visit www.trafficware.com.

Special Instructions for Windows Vista or Windows 7 Users

If you have a computer running Windows Vista or Windows 7 operating system, please complete the following steps prior to completing the steps listed in the next section.

1. Go to Control Panel.

2. Select the “System and Security Icon”


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3. Select the “Change User Account Control Settings” from the Action Center

4. Pull down the scroll bar to the bottom.

5. Click OK to close the User Account Control Settings window.

6. REBOOT to have changes to security take effect.

7. Install and Activate as directed.

8. Return to the Control Panel and set your security to the highest setting, if so desired.

9. REBOOT to have changes to security take effect.


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Synchro Studio 8, Warrants 8, and TripGen 2013 Installation

If this is an upgrade, you will first want to install version 7 on new machine using your version 7 key (and deactivate from the old machine). You will want to do this prior to installing v8 as v8 looks for the presence of v7. If you have a computer running Windows Vista or Windows 7 operating system, please refer to the previous section before completing the following steps.

Synchro 8 can be downloaded by visiting the Trafficware website, www.trafficware.com. Choose the Downloads link on the homepage.

The Installation Wizard will guide you through the installation process (after you download the setup file).

1. Read the license agreement carefully.

Select the [Accept] button to accept the terms of the license agreement and proceed with the installation. You must accept the license agreement to install Synchro Studio 8, Warrants 8, and TripGen 2013.

2. The Installation Wizard saves all files to the default directory (C:\Program Files\Trafficware for 32-bit machines and C:\Program Files (x86)\Trafficware for 64-bit machines)

3. Synchro Studio, Warrants 8, and TripGen 2013 are now ready to install. Select the [Next] button to install in the selected directory.


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4. When the installation is complete, select the [Finish] button to exit the Installation Wizard.

To Activate Synchro Studio 8, Warrants 8, and TripGen 2013

When you activate Synchro Studio 8, Warrants 8, and TripGen 2013 activate under the user’s profile on the laptop/PC. Log on to the laptop/PC as the User Profile of the individual that will be using Synchro Studio 8, Warrants 8, and TripGen 2013.

1. Select the Start Menu, then choose ProgramsTrafficwareSynchro 8 (3D Viewer 8, Warrants 8, TripGen 2013) or double click on the shortcut from your desktop (if created in step 3 above).

2. Read the license agreement carefully.

Check the ‘I Accept the General License Agreement’ box to proceed.

Select [Activate] to proceed with the activation. Press [Demo] if you want to use the demo version. The demo version will allow you to try out the features by viewing the sample files. The sample files are located in the directory where you have installed Synchro Studio 8, Warrants 8, and TripGen 2013. You will not be able to create your own network with the demo mode.

3. The first time using Synchro (3D Viewer, Warrants, TripGen 2013), you will be asked to activate your software. Enter the requested information on the Application Activation dialog shown here.

The information entered in the Application Activation dialog is used to setup the profile for online support with Trafficware. Be sure to enter the information for the individual that will be using the software.


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The License Key is provided by Trafficware and will be shown on your license certificate and will be emailed to you. The License Key is in the format (Serial Number / Company Name - Product Key).

To ensure accurate entry into the Application Activation dialog, copy the entire string from your email message and paste into the License Key box.

The entries with the asterisk “*” are required to activate the software.

After entering the necessary information, select [OK].

4. The next dialog gives you two options to activate and an option to activate later.

‘Activate using the Internet’ is the preferred method for activating your software. Choose this option and select [OK] to automatically and quickly activate your software. Allow 10 business days from purchase date to activate your software. Use the ‘Activate Later’ option to work with Synchro Studio and Warrants during the grace period.

The grace period is forty-five days from the date of your order. When activating via the internet, a message may appear indicating that the invoice has not been paid. Please allow ten business days after payment to activate the software.

If you do not have an internet connection, use the ‘Activate by Phone’ option and press [OK]. Follow the instructions on the Phone Activation dialog. Before calling, make sure the invoice has been paid and have your license key available. Trafficware staff will ask for the Machine Key listed in the Phone Activation dialog. With this information, an Activation Code will be provided.

To Deactivate Synchro Studio 8, Warrants 8, and TripGen 2013 A Synchro license is activated to one user. You can de-activate on your primary user and move to another user.

1. Select the Start Menu, then choose ProgramsTrafficwareSynchro 8 (3D Viewer, Warrants, TripGen 2013) or double click on the shortcut from your desktop.

2. From Synchro, choose HelpLicense Key.

3. Choose the [Deactivate] button and write down the Deactivation Code.

4. Call Trafficware at (281) 240-7233 during business hours with the Deactivation Code. Or email the code to [email protected].


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BE CAREFUL, this will deactivate your software on your machine. Once deactivated, you will need to contact Trafficware to reactivate on your laptop or PC. Please be sure to time this during normal business hours of 8:30am-5:00pm (CT) M-F.

SimTraffic Demo Version The Demo version can be used to record and playback simulations for the sample files located in the Trafficware directory. The Demo version cannot be used to record animations on other files.

The Demo version can also be used to playback prerecorded history files. This allows unlicensed users to view animation files. If you would like to share a SimTraffic animation with a colleague or run an animation on a laptop, install and use Synchro and SimTraffic in the Demo mode. The Demo can view the animations but not make changes. You will need the following:

1. The Synchro Data file (SYN)

2. The SimTraffic Parameters file (SIM)

3. The History file (HST)

4. Timing or volume data files, if data access is used.

5. The Synchro/SimTraffic download file (setup.exe).

To View Sample Files 1. Synchro Studio, Warrants 8, and TripGen 2013 come with sample files so that you can see how street networks are

modeled in Synchro. To view the sample files:

2. From Synchro, choose the FileOpen command.

3. Navigate to the Trafficware\Version8\Sample Files folder.

4. Select a file from the list.

5. Review the “Synchro Examples.pdf” document (installed in the Trafficware directory) to see how these files were created.

List of Sample Files The sample files are located in the Trafficware\Version8\Sample Files directory. The table below is a listing of the files with a brief description. The column “HCM 2010 Computational Engine 4.3 Complaint” indicates if the sample confirms to the 2010 HCM signalized intersection methods. If the answer is “No”, then the sample file cannot be viewed in the HCM 2010 Settings Screen of Synchro.

Sample File Name Description

HCM 2010 Computational

Engine 4.3 Compliant*

Notes

HCM_AWSC_Example Coding elements for an All-Way Stop Control T-Intersection.

Not Applicable This example matches the HCM 2010 Chapter 20- Example 1.

HCM_TWSC_Example

Coding elements for a Two-Way Stop Control intersection with flared approaches and median storage.

Not Applicable This example matches the HCM 2010 Chapter 32 - Example 3.

Single Lane Roundabout

Coding elements for single lane roundabout with slip ramps

Not Applicable This example matches the HCM 2010 Chapter 21- Example 1.


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Notes

Dual Lane Roundabout Coding elements for dual lane roundabout without slip ramps

Not Applicable This example matches the HCM 2010 Chapter 21 - Example 2.

99 diverging diamond3

Complex Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) example file, also known as a Double Crossover Diamond Interchange www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/safety/09054/index.cfm

No

Includes a closely spaced frontage road intersection. Notice the use of the Link Offset (Simulation Settings) at the DDI intersections.

CFI Step 4 Signal Timing

Complex Continuous Flow Interchange (CFI), using all four quadrants

No

Synchro allows 8 intersections to be grouped (clustered). The center intersection is set as unsignalized and all directions have sign control set to “Free”.

Leading Peds The EBR and WBR have a Hold phase 5

No

The EBR and WBR begin 5 seconds after the EBT and WBT. This allows the EB/WB ped phase to get a 5 second head start prior to the conflicting rights.

Super Street, Signalized

Example of a Super Street signalized network www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/safety/04091/10.cfm#c1025

No

This file was created with two parallel E/W links. Node 100 and 240 are the signalized U-turn intersections. Notice that the cycle can vary for the EB and WB directions, thus allowing good progression in both directions.

Tucson concurrent lagging lefts

Example of concurrent lagging lefts as used in Tucson

No

Notice the modified Ring & Barrier Designer (Options> Ring and Barrier). This ensures that the lagging lefts run concurrently.

2 Inter One Controller Coding for grouping two intersections using one controller

No

The two intersections in the “dog-leg” are clustered by going to Options> Cluster Editor. Notice the Splits and Phasing diagram in the Timing Settings screen. It shows the phasing design for both intersections at one time.

6 Leg Intersection Example of a multiple approach intersection

No This example illustrates the use of barrier 3 (Options> Ring and Barrier) to model the diagonal intersection.

Basic 2P w Porkchops Example illustrating the channelized islands coded

Yes

This example has basic two-phase intersection coding. Note that Synchro cannot model channelized rights, it is for simulation in SimTraffic.

Basic 2-Phase Simple 4-leg intersection with basic 2-phase operation.

Yes This is a very basic example using a pretimed controller.

Demo3D Includes vehicle mix, buildings, etc.

Yes Requires 3D Viewer


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Notes

Diamond – Leading Alt A complex diamond interchange coding example (also known as a Texas Diamond operation)

No

This example illustrates the use of the cluster editor and the ring and barrier designer. In addition, notice the Link OD use for the internal E/W movements to reduce unrealistic turns.

Diamond Lag Lag A complex diamond intersection with lagging lefts at both intersections

No

The example uses the cluster editor, ring and barrier designer and Link OD volumes as done in the above example. Also notice the unique coding of the EB and WB left turns. You can see that the storage lane begins upstream of the first intersection.

Diamond w Front Roads

A complex diamond intersection where the ramps merge onto a frontage road

No

As with the other diamonds, this example uses the cluster editor and ring and barrier designer. Also notice the merge and diverge points of the ramps at the frontage road. The Lane Alignment is used to keep movements freely flowing.

Dual ring Example using standard NEMA phasing

Yes This example uses common NEMA phasing. Also notice the use of the lagging NBL (phase 3).

Fixed Cycle Coordination

Two coordinated arterial roadways

Yes

This example includes 8 actuated coordinated intersections operating on a fixed, system cycle length. The cycle was determined by using the Optimize> Network Cycle command.

Florida T no peds Example of an intersection with a free through movement (EBT)

No

The EBT movement never stops even when the SBL phase operates. Notice the coding of the Lane Alignment at the intersection.

Florida T with peds Same as the above example but includes a pedestrian phase

No The EBT movement never stops unless a ped phase 7 is activated.

Gate_Stop on Yellow An example of a gate or a meter Not Applicable

Notice use of Mandatory Stop on Yellow in the Timing Settings. Also, the NW link is Hidden (see the Lanes Settings Link is Hidden).

Group Control 2 Complex coding for grouping two intersections using one controller

No This is another example of grouped intersection with complex phasing.

Mich Left An example of a Michigan Left intersection

No

Similar to the Super-Street example, however, main street lefts are not allowed (they must proceed to the median U-turn).

Roundabouts (for SimTraffic)

An example with two roundabouts

Yes This example shows two roundabouts at the terminal points at a diamond interchange. It illustrates how


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Notes

simulating multiple roundabouts can be done with SimTraffic.

Single Point An example of a single point urban interchange (SPUI)

No This example also includes a portion of the freeway showing the merge and diverge areas.

Single Ring Example showing coding with one ring (instead of dual ring)

No In this example, the ring and barrier designer was modified (Options> Ring and Barrier Designer)

Spillback blocking Example that shows the queue delay (Spillback) between adjacent intersections

No

Notice the high Queue Delay (Timing Settings) at node 1. This is due to vehicles spilling back from node 2 and blocking node 1.

Starvation Example that show the queue delay (Starvation) between adjacent intersections.

No

Notice the high Queue Delay at node 2. This is due to poor offsets starving intersection 2. That is, node 2 EBT turns green, however, the vehicles are held back at node 1 causing unused capacity.

Two way traffic control Example that illustrates a one-lane bridge

Not Applicable

In this example, a dummy intersection is created on each end of the “bridge”. Notice use of Hidden Link feature. The intersections are clustered and operate as phase 1 then 2 (thereby, only allowing one direction at a time). Notice the long all-red period that is used to clear the traffic before the opposing phase begins.

* The current version of Synchro 8.0 implements the HCM computational engine (version 4.3).


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Chapter 2 - What’s New in Synchro and SimTraffic This section will summarize the changes between Synchro version 7 and version 8. Be sure to fully read this section if you are a user of previous versions of Synchro.

Floating Palette The previous static tool bar has been replaced with a floating palette that can be moved to any location within the Map Screen. The icons on the original tool bar have been reorganized into five menus. A few new icons have also been added to further enhance the users display capabilities. Refer to Page 2-17 for more details on the floating palette.

1. Zoom/Pan – The icons within this menu allow users to adjust the view within the Map Screen. Various zoom options are available to the user.

2. Mapping – Icons used for creating and/or editing a roadway network, such as adding/deleting links and moving nodes, are located here.

3. Nodes – The icons within this menu can be used to display intersection data (i.e. node number, cycle length, and zone ID’s). New icons have been added to allow users to display HCM 2010 intersection delay and LOS.

4. Links – Link- based data can be found using these icons (i.e. travel speed and link distance). 5. App/Move – The Approach/Movement menu provides several icons that allow users to display information related

to volumes, signal phasing, v/c ratios, movement delay, etc. Users can display signalized intersection results based on Percentile Delay or HCM 2010.

It should be noted that pressing your right mouse button on the map background will bring up , thus allowing you to pan within the Synchro network. If the palette becomes no longer visible within the Map Screen, the user should select OptionsShow Toolbar.

Figure 1 Floating Palette


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Additional Floating Palette Information This section highlights each of the new icons that have been added to the palette.

Percentile Delay Method

Movement V/C Ratio Approach Delay Approach LOS

HCM 2010 Method

Movement V/C Ratio Approach Delay Approach LOS


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Map View - Link Menu Options Synchro 8 now includes additional options from the Link Menu. To access the Link Menu, right click on the link within the Map View.

Figure 2 Link Menu

The new options in the Link Menu include: Street Name Up, Move Street Name, Hide Street Name, Switch Diagram Position and Move Volume Diagram.

Street Name Up/Down Choose Street Name Up to set the street name over or under the current link. If you move the street name over the link, the menu will read Street Name Down.

Move Street Name Choose Move Street Name to move the street name along the street. The label or street name becomes highlighted. When the mouse is placed over this label, it starts following the motion of the mouse until the left mouse is clicked.

Hide/Show Street Name Select Hide Street Name or Show Street Name to hide/show the street name in Synchro and SimTraffic.

Switch Diagram Position Choose Switch Diagram Position to move the diagram label over or below the current link.


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Move Volume Diagram Selecting the Move Volume Diagram option moves the diagram label along the street. The label becomes highlighted. When the mouse is placed over this label, it starts following the motion of the mouse until the left mouse is clicked.

Using Bing™ to Add a Background Image Synchro 8 now allows the user to import images directly from Bing™. This feature will greatly assist in importing internet based images and ensuring that the scaling is appropriate. It will also be useful to create a mosaic of images that will properly align. The user will be able to hide/unhide images of interest to help keep the PC memory footprint reasonable. To use this option, an internet connection must be available during the import (not necessary after the image is captured).

In a new or existing Synchro file, use the command select FileSelect Background (see Figure 3) and select the Use Bing™ Aerials button.

Use Bing(tm) Aerials button

Figure 3 Select Background Dialog

After selecting the Use Bing™ Aerials button, there is a new window Get Map dialog (see Figure 4) that uses Bing™ (aka Virtual Earth) to:

navigate the world map,

set the reference between the map and the Synchro file by setting a pair of reference points on the Bing™ map and the Synchro file,

choose area boundaries and save the image to a bitmap,

add the selected image as the Synchro background.

To navigate the map to find a desired location, you may use pan and zoom, type an address or enter the name of a place of interest in the search input line and conduct the search.


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Get Map Dialog Options

Bing(tm) Pan and Zoom controls

Enter street address or place

of interest to zoom to location

A B C D E F

Figure 4 Get Map Dialog

A. Set Reference

After pressing the Set Reference menu (“A” in Figure 4), click the mouse on the Bing™ map to choose a reference point. You will see a pushpin on the selected point followed by a Set Synchro Reference Point window. Select a corresponding point on the Synchro MAP View or to manually enter a World Coordinate (see Figure 5). The Map and Synchro points will denote the same geographic point to tie the world map to the Synchro coordinates.

Pan and Zoom controls

If you have a current Synchro network drawn, click on a base

intersection in this area to set the Synchro coordinate for the World

Coordinate

If no Synchro network has been created, manually enter your

desired World Coordinate

The Bing(tm) Map reference point will be set to match the World

Coordinate established in this step

Figure 5 Set Synchro Reference Point Dialog


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B. Set Boundaries

Press the Set Boundaries menu (“B” in Figure 5) and choose the 1st and 2nd boundary points and set their position on the Bing™ map by clicking the mouse in the opposite corners of the desired map location. The boundary points will be shown as red pushpins and will mark the map area to be converted to the background image.

C. Preview Selection and Image Zoom

Press the Preview Selection menu (“C” in Figure 5) to preview the map. and adjust its scale by clicking on Image Zoom menu and choosing Zoom In/Zoom Out (see Step D). Bing™ does not provide the maximum zoom for all locations, so previewing the map and using Zoom Out if necessary may guarantee that the map will be saved correctly to the background image.

D. Image Zoom

After choosing the Preview Selection menu, use the Image Zoom Zoom Out or Image Zoom Zoom In to achieve the desired image scale. If Zoom In is not available, then the image is at the closest zoom possible for the area. Using the Zoom Out will give a lower resolution (quality) image, however the file size will be reduced. If you use the highest quality (fully zoomed in) option, the file size of the image will be higher and it will take longer to download the image(s).

E. Save Selection

Select the Save Selection menu (“E” in Figure 4), to save the selected map area to a single JPG or multiple JPG files. There may be certain restrictions to the size of a single image file, so saving to the multiple files allows one to create a background for a bigger map area. The program automatically creates a folder with a set of the multiple image files to cover the selected background image.

F. Show Map

The Show Map menu will return to the Bing™ world map to select a different area to be converted to the background image.

Lane Settings

Link is Hidden The LANE SETTINGS screen has a Link Is Hidden checkbox for each link (street). If the checkbox is checked, the corresponding link is not visible.

Synchro requires a node to have 3 links before it is considered an intersection (allowing signal timing). This Link is Hidden option can be useful for locations where you require the node to be an intersection. The dummy link could be hidden since it will have no lanes or volumes. For example, a mid-block ped crossing, gate or ramp meter could use this option.

Hide Street Name in Node Title The LANE SETTINGS window has a Hide Name in Node Title checkbox for each link (street). If the checkbox is checked, the corresponding street name is not used in the node title. The street name will still be visible in the MAP VIEW unless you use the Link Menu command to hide/show the street name.


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Figure 6 Hide Name in Node Title

Mandatory Stop on Yellow Traditionally, SimTraffic will allow at least two vehicles to proceed during a signal phase, even if the Total Split is set to 3 seconds. In some instances, it is desirable to create a dummy intersection to meter traffic (i.e., allow 1 vehicle to proceed every X seconds). This could be useful for modeling security gates, ramp meters, etc.

To do this, check the Mandatory Stop on Yellow at the bottom of the NODE SETTINGS. This will allow only one simulated vehicle to pass through a short green signal. No sneaker vehicles will be allowed during the yellow interval.

Time Tracker in Synchro The Time tracker is used to count the time spent on a Synchro project.

When a new or existing project is opened, the Time Tracker window prompts for the user name input to start time counting. A user can enter a new name, or clicking on the arrow at the right side of the name editor to select an existing name from the list of the users that already used Time Tracker for this project. After input of the name, time tracker starts counting the time.

Time tracker is shown on the Synchro window as a button and two time displays – current session time and total time spent on this project.


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Time tracker has three states as described below.

Counting State

In this state Time Tracker is counting time. If you press the Time Tracker button, Time Tracker will switch to the paused state and will not count time.

Paused State

In this state Time Tracker is not counting time. If you press the Time Tracker button, Time Tracker will switch to the counting state and will start counting time.

Disabled State

In this state Time Tracker does not count time and does not show the Time Tracker window when the project is opened. To set Time Tracker in disabled state for a project, open the project and, after the Time Tracker window appears, click “Disable” button or close the Time Tracker window without typing a name. To exit the disabled state, click on the Time Tracker button and, after the Time Tracker window appears, type your name or select an existing name from the user list, and press the OK button.

To see and print the Time Tracker statistics, choose “Create ” from the “File” menu and select “Time Tracker” report.

Scenario Manager Dialog The Scenario Manager is used to populate the report header and footer information. In the past, updating the Scenario Manager for a new file (scenario) was often overlooked. In version 8, the Scenario Manager dialog window appears when you save a Synchro project with another name as well as when you create a new Synchro project.

Increase Cycle and Split Times In previous versions of Synchro, the Cycle was limited to 900 seconds and the Maximum Split to 840 seconds. In some instances, a long cycle can be useful to model dummy intersections that can stop traffic for an extended period of time. The Cycle Length in the NODE SETTINGS and the Maximum Split in the PHASE SETTINGS may now have values up to 3000 sec (50 min). The Cycle Length should not exceed 3000 seconds.


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Two examples for using this would be a draw bridge or rail crossing. At the location of the stop, create a dummy intersection (create a T-intersection). Keep in mind that this dummy link can be hidden. Then enter a phase for the main street (say phase 1) and a Hold phase.

New Symbols Added to Phasing Diagram Two symbols have been added to the Phasing Diagram for intersections operating in coordination mode. The symbols indicate the Reference Phase and Reference to: selections within the Timing Settings.

Figure 7 New Symbols in Phasing Diagram

The indicates the Reference Phase, while the (R) indicates Referenced to:


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Changes for HCM 2010 Within the icon bar of Synchro, a new “HCM 2010” button has been added. Upon Pressing, two windows – “HCM 2010 INTERSECTION” and “HCM 2010 SETTINGS” will be displayed. “HCM 2010 INTERSECTION” shows the node description and the HCM 2010 node parameters. “HCM 2010 SETTINGS” shows input parameters for individual approaches and movements that affect HCM calculations and the most important output results (LOS, delays, etc.) based on HCM 2010 methodologies. Synchro 8 models the following HCM 2010 methods:

Signalized intersections based on Chapter 18 and 31 of the HCM. All three modes, auto, pedestrian, and bicycle, are available to the user. Figures 8, 9, and 10 depict each of the output screens based on the new 2010 HCM signalized intersection methods. Signalized intersections within a coordinated network are now accounted for based on the procedures highlighted within Chapters 17 and 30 of the 2010 HCM.

Two-Way Stop Control (TWSC) intersections based on Chapter 19 and 32 of the HCM. Figure 11 depicts the HCM 2010 output screen for the auto mode. Effects from signalized intersections are taken into account based on determining the percentage of blockage due to upstream and/or downstream traffic platoons.

All-Way Stop Control (AWSC) intersections based on Chapter 20 and 32 of the HCM. Figure 12 depicts the HCM 2010 output screen based on the auto mode.

Roundabouts based on Chapter 21 and 33 of the HCM. Figure 13 depicts the HCM 2010 output screen based on the auto mode.

In the “Create Report” window (File/Create Report menu), new report types are now available for each of the HCM 2010 methodologies noted above.

Figure 8 2010 HCM Signalized Intersection Auto Mode Screen


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Figure 9 2010 HCM Signalized Intersection Pedestrian Mode Screen

Figure 10 2010 HCM Signalized Intersection Bicycle Mode Screen


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Figure 11 2010 HCM TWSC Auto Mode Screen

Figure 12 2010 HCM AWSC Auto Mode Screen


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Figure 13 2010 HCM Roundabout Auto Mode Screen

Default Detector Settings Synchro 7 introduced a Defaults.syn file that allows users to create their own specific default parameters. Version 8 now expands on this and allows the ability to create defaults for Detector Settings. In addition, the user can load defaults from any previously created Synchro file.

The default detector settings are saved in the same defaults.syn file as all other default values. To load Detector Templates you have to press Defaults in the Detector Template Editor and set the check box Load Detector Templates. After that you can use the saved default detector settings from defaults.syn or choose a Synchro file to load those templates. Also you can load Network Defaults by setting the “Load Network Defaults” checkbox.

Figure 14 Load Defaults Dialog (in Detector Template)


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The same Load Defaults window will appear if you press “Defaults” button in the Network Settings window.

Figure 15 Load Defaults Dialog (in Network Settings)

Street Name and Volume Label Backgrounds In Options Map-Settings, Background now includes a Visible checkbox. If it is checked, each street name and volume label will be drawn over a rectangle of the background color to be more readable over the background bitmap. If not checked, the street names and volume labels will be drawn without this rectangle (see Figure 5).

Figure 16 Background Visible in Map Settings


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New Report Interface The various reports within Synchro have been organized into 11 categories. Upon pressing the appropriate (+) next to the category name, the available reports within the selected category will be displayed. Hold down the Ctrl button to select multiple categories.

The various reports within SimTraffic have been organized into 4 categories. Upon pressing the appropriate (+) next to the category name, the available reports within the selected category will be displayed. Hold down the Ctrl button to select multiple categories.


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Zoom in the Report Preview A Zoom control has been added to the Report Preview window to preview the report using a bigger or smaller scale.

Figure 17 Report Preview Zoom Control

Print Window Preview A new Preview button has been added to the Print Window dialog (File Print-Preview) in Synchro (including printing map and Time-Space diagram) and SimTraffic. By pressing the Preview button, you can preview the print output before printing. In the preview window you can zoom the image, start printing or return back to the printing settings.

Figure 18 Print Window Dialog Options


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New Report Header Option A new placeholder ‘%short_filename%’ for the Header or Footer has been added to the Create Report and Print Window dialog. In contrast to %filename% placeholder, it will type the file name of the Synchro file without the full path.

Screen Recorder in SimTraffic A new feature to record the SimTraffic animation is now included. To create a video, choose the Record Video button on the upper-right side of the SimTraffic toolbar.

After selecting the Record Video button, the Video Recorder Settings dialog will appear. The upper left of the dialog include Predefined Settings. You can select one of the three options for a larger or smaller file. The larger file will be larger in size, but will have a better video quality. The actual size of the video depends on the length of the recording. It is suggested that you try smaller formats first and move up to improve quality as needed.

The user can also adjust the Video Play Speed that will be recorded. Select the speed that you desire the animation to be recorded.

The three options will use predetermined settings for Screen Size, Frames per second, choice of video (for local machine or web) and Video Quality. These values can be modified to meet the desired needs.

Once the settings are determined, use the [Select] button to browse to a directory and enter a filename. The format will be a Window Media Video (WMV) file. Finally, choose the [Generate] button to create your video.

Enable 3D File Button A new button “3D” was added to the icon bar of SimTraffic. It has two states showing if a 3ds file will be created during the simulation. This button is a shorcut for the user instead of selecting from the menu Animate Create 3D graphics file. If a user enables the writing of .3ds files, a warning dialog is displayed ( “A large 3D file will be created during simulation recording”) to give the user a choice to continue or cancel.


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New Lane Change Parameters Several enhancements to improve traffic flow within SimTraffic have been implemented within this new release. One of the key elements associated with traffic flow is lane changing behavior. In order to improve lane changing behavior, two new parameters have been added within the SimTraffic Parameters Drivers menu. The first is related to the average time (Avg Lane Change Time (s)) between successive lane changes. The second parameter (Lane Change Variance ± (%)) allows users to adjust the Avg Lane Change Time by Driver Type. These parameters apply only to optional lane changes. Fine-tuning of these parameters should lead to an increase or decrease in congestion levels. Congestion levels will vary depending on traffic volume.

Figure 19 SimTraffic Driver Parameters

Create SSAM Export In SimTraffic, there is a new Animate Create SSAM Export. If this option is checked, SimTraffic creates a *.trj file during the simulation recording. This file describes the position of the vehicles throughout the simulation. It is a binary file compatible with FHWA’s Surrogate Safety Assessment Model (SSAM). SSAM can be used to analyze the frequency of narrowly averted vehicle-to-vehicle collisions.

There are several points that may be discussed and adjusted:

1. Vehicle speed is in km/h or mph depending if the system is metric or not.

2. Time period is 0.5 sec


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Chapter 3 – What’s New in 3D Viewer This section will summarize the changes between 3D Viewer version 7 and version 8. Be sure to fully read this section if you are a user of previous versions of 3D Viewer.

New Model Categories Upon selecting the “Add Model” button, two new Model Categories will be available to the user. “Basic Shapes” includes several simple shapes that be added to a scene. For example, the left or rights slope shapes could be used to construct an abutment for an overpass. Another new category, “Columns and Pillars” has also been added for users to select from. These models, for example, can be used for bridge supports.

Adding a Model Object to the Scene Press “Add Model” button. A new “Models Preview” window appears showing the available model categories such as “Office Buildings”, “Residential”, “Roadway Items” and so on. Choose a category and scroll through the list of models using the scroll control or press the left mouse button and pan the list right or left. Select a model by clicking on it with the left or right mouse button. If you hold the right mouse button and move the mouse up/down or right/left, the selected model will rotate around the vertical or horizontal axis to allow viewing from all sides.

To add the selected model to the scene, press the “Add” button, or click twice with the left mouse on the model.


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Selecting an Object To select a vehicle you need to point the mouse cursor on the vehicle and press the left mouse button.

To select a model object (any object besides vehicles, pedestrians and roads) you need to hold the “Shift” key, point on the object with the mouse cursor, and press the left or right mouse button.

A selected object will be enclosed in a red ribbed cube.

Changing the Size of a Model To change the size of a selected model object, hold the “Shift” key and rotate the mouse wheel. The model object will be proportionally increased or decreased. To make the size change slower, hold the “Ctrl” key.

Also, you can change length, width and height of a selected object using the Models pane by editing L, W and H values.

Adding a Custom Model in 3ds Format The user can import all 3D models from one 3D Viewer file with similar reference coordinates into another. The models will be imported at the same coordinates.

A New Button for the Tour Panel – Filming The Filming button becomes enabled in the record mode and has two states – “pause filming” and “resume filming”.

1. When “pause filming” is pressed, the current frame is recorded, but no other frame will be recorded until “resume filming” is pressed. So we can move in space and time without recording anything.

2. When “resume filming” is pressed, the current frame is recorded and it will record any changes in the camera position and vehicle selection. When the tour file is played back, the program will make a smooth transition between recorded points, for example, between the points when “pause filming” and “resume filming” were pressed.


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Generate Digital Video Parameters After pressing the “Generate Digital Video” button, the window “Generate Digital Video” appears.

Predefined settings A user can choose from three predefined settings “Larger file size”, “Medium file size” and “Smaller file size”.

Parameters The user should choose the appropriate attribute related to video screen size, frames per second and video quality.


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Chapter 4 - What’s New in Warrants

Support for 2009 MUTCD Warrants 8 now includes support for the following warrant methods:

The year 2009 Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) warrants

The year 2003 Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) warrants

The year 2012 California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices warrants

Revision to Warrant 4 for 2009 Methods The 2009 Federal MUTCD includes a significant change in Warrant 4, the Pedestrian Volume Warrant and is based on an extensive NCHRP research study. The 2003 Warrant required that two criteria be met in order to satisfy Warrant 4. The 2009 Warrant includes two new criteria that are based on a combination of vehicular and pedestrian volumes for either 4-hours or a single peak hour, and only one of the criteria needs to be met.

Figure 20 2009 Federal Warrant 4

Addition of New Warrant 9 for 2009 Methods This is a new warrant within the 2009 Federal MUTCD for Intersections near a Highway-Rail Grade Crossing. This warrant is for use at locations where the proximity of the intersection to a highway-rail grade crossing is the principal reason to consider installing a traffic control signal, and other warrants are not met.


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Figure 21 2009 Federal Warrant 9


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Chapter 5 - What’s New in TripGen 2013

Introduction TripGen 2013 is the latest software package from Trafficware aimed at improving the efficiency of the transportation engineer/ planner. TripGen 2013 is a simple, easy-to-use tool to calculate trip generation based on the 9th Edition of Institute of Transportation Engineer’s (ITE) Trip Generation Manual. The analyst selects the desired independent variable and calculates driveway volumes by selecting the rates or equations from the 9th Edition of ITE’s Trip Generation Manual. Pass-by trips and internal capture trips for mixed-use developments (NCHRP 684) are taken into account. The software allows the user to enter custom trip rates based on local/regional data. Several reports are available for users to quickly review calculations. Future versions of the software will be integrated with Synchro, thus significantly reducing the time required to analyze traffic impacts.

For additional information refer to the TripGen 2013 User Guide.

synchro getting started and whats new in version 8

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