Traffic Simulation
Trafiksimulering

VTVN10, 7.5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2026/27
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED V
Date of Decision: 2026-03-25

General Information

Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Elective for: V4-tv
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English on demand

Aim

The purpose of the course is to provide an in-depth understanding of traffic simulation, focusing both on the underlying theories and on how to practically apply them to create models adapted to current needs.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to explain what types of questions traffic simulation is a suitable tool for
• be able to explain the most important types of input data for simulation models, depending on the area of application
• assess which output data are relevant to study for different applications, as well as analyze the results

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to plan and carry out a limited simulation project, including model development and production of results
• be able to perform and explain the models’ limitations and reliability in relation to calibration and validation

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• understand the value of systematic investigation, traffic modeling, and traffic simulation

Contents

The course includes an introduction and theoretical background to different types of models (approaches, principles, applications). It also covers common applications, essential differences between various theories, and the limitations of different models, as well as handling stochasticity and uncertainty in simulation models.

Students acquire all of these aspects through a traffic simulation project, where they also use one of the most common software tools for traffic simulation (PTV Vissim). The project includes data collection and processing, calibration, validation, analysis of results, comparison of different alternatives, and presentation of findings.

Teaching is conducted in several forms, such as lectures and computer labs. Examination is in the form of a written project report.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment:

The final grade is based on the submitted project report. The project report is divided into a group assignment and one (or several) individual parts.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Modules
Code: 0116. Name: Traffic Simulation.
Credits: 7.5. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). Assessment: Written presentation of project work. The module includes: The project includes data collection and processing, calibration, validation, analysis of results, comparison of different alternatives, and presentation of findings.

Admission

Admission requirements:

• VTTF01 Traffic Engineering

Reading list

• Bång, Karl-Lennart, Olstam, Johan, Köhler, Joakim, Wahlstedt, Johan: Handbok för kapacitetsanalys med hjälp av simulering. Trafikverket, 2014, ISBN: TRV2013/79994.
  https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A760696&dswid=6489
• Irvenå, Johan, Mårtensson, Matilda: Beräkningshandledning och riktlinjer kapacitetsanalyser väg 2.0. Trafikverkets, 2023, ISBN: 978-91-8045-235-9.
  https://trafikverket.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A1815562&dswid=-5475
• Karl Wunderlich, Meenakshy Vasudevan, and Peiwei Wang: Guidelines for Applying Traffic Microsimulation Modeling Software - 2019 Update to the 2004 Version. U.S. Department of TransportationFederal Highway Administration, 2019, ISBN: FHWA-HOP-18-036.
  https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop18036/fhwahop18036.pdf

Contact

Course coordinator: Carl Johnsson, carl.johnsson@tft.lth.se
Course homepage: https://kurser.lth.se/lot/course/VTVN10