Traffic simulation models offer significant benefits, but after 35 years of development and application, they still have shortcomings. A new study seeks to fill in the gaps.
"The objective of NGSIM is to develop behavioral algorithms in support of microscopic traffic simulation, with supporting documentation and validation data sets. All NGSIM products will be freely available to simulation model developers and the transportation community at large.
...Vehicle detection is accomplished by extracting line segments from images and matching them to 3-D vehicle models. "This algorithm shows superior vehicle localization performance in varying illumination conditions compared to the previous motion-based approaches," he added.
Once a vehicle is detected, it can be tracked based on its appearance in the camera image. A sequence of cameras is used to track the detected vehicles along a stretch of freeway. Vehicles in the overlapping area between two cameras are passed from one camera to the next by comparing their appearance in both cameras."
FULL STORY: Next Generation Freeway Simulation

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie