Simulation contributes to the future of Rail Transport

Simulation contributes to the future of Rail Transport

For over 30 years, InControl develops innovative customized railway-traffic simulators and is an expert in railway simulation. InControl’s simulation software platform enables the development of applications. One example is a high-performance railway application designed, built, and maintained by InControl for organizations responsible for rail infrastructures and passengers. It supports the decisions related to system (future) performances and the effects of innovations. At this moment rail organizations have to implement efficiency and security-related programs like ERTMS*, ATO*, or TMS* and passenger flows at public transport hubs in cities and metropole areas.

InControl’s Dutch railway simulator application called “FRISO” is developed for ProRail, the Dutch infrastructure company. It allows users to simulate and visualize large networks on a microscopic level including tracks, switches, signals, etc. The application supports users by automatic generation of a complete simulation model based on several databases. The benefits are valid data and information provisioning in a short timeframe. Visualization of the (sub)systems, insights into conflicting planning of rolling stock and staff, and multi-organizational and discipline staff training are part of the application services.

ERTMS affects the entire rail sector, so collaboration is a must. How does that work in practice? Last month, Joris Steneker, Team Manager Public Transport at InControl, and Dick Middelkoop, Program Manager ProRail Innovation, were invited by ERTMS Flash to discuss the long-lasting relationship. The original interview is in Dutch, for the English version please click here.

Source: Text Eveline Bets and foto Fokke Eenhoorn

Het ideale samenwerkingsmodel (geen simulatie, maar realiteit)
ERTMS raakt de hele spoorsector, dus samenwerken is een must. Hoe gaat dat in de praktijk?

Source: Fokke Eenhoorn

Hoe kennen jullie elkaar?
Dick
: “Als programmamanager Modelontwikkeling houd ik me bezig met de ontwikkeling van simulatiemodellen en optimalisatievraagstukken. ProRail heeft een lange geschiedenis in simulaties, maar onze software was niet goed ingericht op de steeds complexere ontwikkelingen. Toen we jaren geleden op zoek gingen naar een flexibeler systeem met meer mogelijkheden, kwamen we terecht bij een platform dat is ontwikkeld door InControl.”

Joris: “Ik kwam er later bij, in 2006 geloof ik, toen ik als teammanager Public Transport verantwoordelijk werd voor simulatiemodellen voor onder andere het spoor.”


Aan welke simulatie(s) werken jullie op dit moment?
Joris
: “Actueel is een groot project waarin we de ERTMS-gebruikersprocessen hebben nagebouwd in een simulator. Doel is het valideren van die processen, en betere communicatie tussen machinist en treindienstleider. De simulator bootst de treindienst na in een soort 3D-omgeving van het spoor.”

Dick: “Het gaat dus om testen of we het goed hebben uitgedacht, nog niet om het trainen van de mensen die ermee gaan werken. Dat komt later.”


Kunnen jullie het doel van de samenwerking omschrijven?
Dick
: “Ons doel is dat we op een efficiënte manier de toekomst van het spoor in beeld brengen en zo kunnen beleven, en dat we inzicht krijgen in die complexiteit.”

Joris: “Ja, dus gezamenlijk dingen beproeven en ontwikkelen. Dat is ook de kracht van simulatie. Een mooi voorbeeld is dat we na zo’n sessie van machinisten en treindienstleiders terugkregen: ‘Nou, dat ga ik in de praktijk nooit zo doen.’”

Dick: “Of omgekeerd: ‘Dit scenario is niet goed, kunnen we dat nog aanpassen?’ Dat vond ik een mooie les. Het werkt dus twee kanten op. Zo verbeteren we de praktijk.”

Joris: “En daar worden we heel blij van!”

Kom je ook knelpunten tegen en zo ja: hoe lossen jullie dit op?
Dick
: “Ja, mijn werk is een leuke, maar uitdagende puzzel. Dat vraagt om chemie in de samenwerking en gebruik maken van elkaars kwaliteiten.”

Joris: “ProRail stelt ons soms uitdagende vragen. Bijvoorbeeld: ontwikkel een wiskundig optimalisatie-algoritme voor Automatic Train Operation. Dan is het best spannend of we dat ook kunnen leveren.”

Dick: “Meestal leidt het tot goede resultaten. Of het valt nu nog niet in goede aarde, maar later wel. Dan zijn we onze tijd vooruit.”

Wat is er volgens jullie nodig voor goede samenwerking? En zie je dat terug bij elkaar?
Dick
: “Eerlijkheid, duidelijkheid, een open houding, doen wat je zegt.”

Joris: “Ja, Dick is inderdaad open en duidelijk. Er is daarnaast ruimte voor creativiteit, dat vind ik ook belangrijk.”

Dick: “Joris doet wat hij belooft. En hij verrast mij niet alleen met zijn diepgaande inhoudelijke kennis, maar kan ook uitleggen dat niet alles wat ik wil als opdrachtgever relevant is.”

Joris: “Dick heeft ook veel kennis en stelt kritische vragen. En hij kan mensen overtuigen. Ik vind Dick wel een echte ambassadeur. Het leukste is als we samen aan anderen enthousiast vertellen wat we doen!”

Tot slot: kunnen jullie samen door 1 deur? Waarom?
Dick
: “Zeker. Omdat we niet bang zijn een beetje in te schikken als die deur, laten we zeggen, wat smal zou zijn.”

Joris: “Dan proberen we die deur breder te maken.”

Dick: “Zodat er nog meer mensen mee kunnen lopen.”

English version:

The ideal collaboration model (not simulation, but reality)
ERTMS affects the entire rail sector, so collaboration is a must. How does that work in practice?

Source: Fokke Eenhoorn

How do you know each other?
Dick
: “As a Model Development program manager, I am involved in the development of simulation models and optimization issues. ProRail has a long history in simulations, but our software was not well equipped for the increasingly complex developments. Years ago, when we were looking for a more flexible system with more options, we ended up with a platform developed by InControl.”

Joris: “I joined later, in 2006 I believe, when I became responsible for simulation models for rail, among other things, as team manager Public Transport.”

Which simulation(s) are you currently working on?
Joris: “Currently we are involved in a major project in which we have recreated the ERTMS user processes in a simulator. The aim is to validate those processes and improve communication between the train driver and train traffic controller. The simulator simulates the train service in a kind of 3D environment in which the railway system is modelled.”

Dick: “It is therefore about testing whether we have thought it through properly, not yet about training the people who will work with it. That will come later.”

Can you describe the purpose of the collaboration?
Dick
: “Our goal is to visualize and experience the future of rail in an efficient way, and to gain insight into that complexity.”

Joris: “Yes, so testing and developing things together. That is also the power of simulation. A good example is that after such a session we received feedback from drivers and train controllers: ‘Well, I will never do that in practice.'”

Dick: “Or vice versa: ‘This scenario is not good; can we still adjust it?’ I thought that was a good lesson. So, it works both ways. This is how we improve practice.”

Joris: “And that makes us very happy!”

Do you also encounter bottlenecks and if so: how do you solve them?
Dick: “Yes, my work is a fun, but challenging puzzle. That requires chemistry in the collaboration and making use of each other’s qualities.”

Joris: “ProRail sometimes asks us challenging questions. For example: develop a mathematical optimization algorithm for Automatic Train Operation. Then it is quite exciting whether we can also deliver that.”

Dick: “It usually leads to good results. Or it may not be well received now, but it will later. Then we are ahead of our time.”

What do you think is necessary for good cooperation? And do you see that back together?
Dick
: “Honesty, clarity, an open attitude, do what you say.”

Joris: “Yes, Dick is indeed open and clear. There is also room for creativity, which is also important to me.”

Dick: “Joris does what he promises. And he not only surprises me with his in-depth substantive knowledge but can also explain that not everything I want as a client is relevant.”

Joris: “Dick also has a lot of knowledge and asks critical questions. And he can convince people. I think Dick is a real ambassador. The best part is when we enthusiastically tell others about what we do!”

Finally: Are you both on good terms with each other? Why?
Dick
: “Certainly, because neither of us is afraid to compromise a little if necessary.”

Joris: “Then we try to create more space for each other.”

Dick: “So that in the end more people can join us and benefit from our efforts.”

Abbreviations:
* ERTMS: European Rail Traffic Management System
* ATO: Automatic Train Operation
* TMS: Traffic Management System

Are you interested in the contribution of our Simulation Software in the Rail Transportation Industry? Contact us, we are happy to tell you more about our expertise and experience.

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Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.2 released!

Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.2 released!

For all leading construction companies, architects, engineers, and consultants using crowd risk analysis. We are happy to announce the release of our crowd simulation software Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.2!

With Pedestrian Dynamics® you can increase customer experiences, decrease costs, and contribute to your innovation programs to contribute to more safe, secure, and sustainable infrastructures and events.

Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.2 gives the crowd modelers more tools to help them in the model building process and to present the results to the end user.

The new features of Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.2 are:

  • New TextBox Element, to enhance your model by showing text or output in your 2D or 3D visualization 
  • New functionality in the Error Monitor, to easily find the location where the error in your model is reported  
  • Miniature Map, a small layout shown at the bottom. Click on this layout to easily navigate your model. 

New TextBox element

The new text box element can show predefined messages or dynamically updatable
text. This tool brings extra functionality to help you analyze your environment during
the simulation run and create videos to show your projects’ results.
This element can be found on the draw toolbar of the 2D Builder. Draw the text box
in your layout, adjust its size, font, and many other settings in the settings window,
including the visualization in both 2D and/or 3D. Use the available predefined
logics to define the text to be shown: a fixed text such as the name of an activity
or its capacity, or even text that is updated dynamically during the run, such as the
number of people in a queue line.

Show the location in your 2D/3D model layout directly from the location reported in the Error monitor

New functionality has been added to the error monitor and tracer window. In the context menu you can find a new function Go to location. Use this for example to easily find the location of an error that is reported in the error monitor in your 2D/3D model layout.

Debugging your model is now facilitated by this tool. Select the line in the error
monitor which is reporting the location. Right-click on the error and the context
menu opens, which shows the “Go to location” option. By selecting this option, a red
circle pops up on the environment which indicates the location.

Miniature Map for easy navigation

A miniature layout of your entire model for easy navigation. When working with
large models, the zoom in/out process to find a specific location can sometimes
be cumbersome. The miniature map tool does not only give you extra information
about which part of the model is shown in the view, but also makes it easier to move
between different areas.

A new button can be found on the View tab of the Model Layout. Click this
button and a settings window will appear in which you can enable the miniature
map. This map is shown in the bottom left corner of the 2D Builder windows. The
green area shows the current area shown in the Layout. Click the image to move the
view to the indicated location. The map can be updated via the settings window or
on reset.

Download our release highlights document to read more details about the new improvements in Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.2. 

Curious what Pedestrian Dynamics® can do for you, your company, and your customers? Please contact us, or try our software free of charge.

Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.1 released!

Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.1 released!

For all leading construction companies, architects, engineers, and consultants using crowd risk analysis. We are happy to announce the release of our crowd simulation software Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.1!

With Pedestrian Dynamics® you can increase customer experiences, decrease costs, and contribute to your innovation programs to contribute to more safe, secure, and sustainable infrastructures and events.

With the release of Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.1, the following improvements of the software are performed:

  • Increased user-friendliness
  • BIM improvements
  • New physical distancing feature for stands
  • New tutorials for recording videos and density output.

Increased user-friendliness and BIM improvements

To increase the user-friendliness several improvements are made which will help in model building, collecting data for an experiment but also give you an overview and control over the visualization. Moreover, the BIM import is improved to build models faster and easier. Also, adjustments have been made for Windows 11.

New physical distancing feature for stands

Around the world, we are struggling still with the effect of the COVID pandemic. Pedestrian Dynamics® simulation software today is used to implement physical distance and other pandemic rules and regulations. Already in Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.0, we introduced the physical distancing algorithm and included output to examine the proximity of agents. With this new release, we have added the feature to easily model seating areas when applying physical distancing. Due to the physical distancing rules, often not all seats in an area are allowed to use. Several properties have been added to a stand section to easily indicate which seats can be used and which should be unavailable.

New tutorials for recording videos and density output

Several improvements to our documentation are made. We have restructured our ‘Help’ file making it easier to find tutorials and ‘How to guides’ specific topics. These tutorials are now also easily accessible as PDFs via a drop-down menu on the ‘Help’ tab. We also added new documentation.

Download our release highlights document to read more details about the new improvements in Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.1. 

Curious what Pedestrian Dynamics® can do for you, your company, and your customers? Please contact us, or try our software free of charge.

Simulation adds value to Education

Simulation adds value to Education

Inspiring online seminar for our Educational User Community

On April 29th a group of enthusiastic teachers from several Universities working and teaching with Enterprise Dynamics® attended our online seminar Simulation & Education. InControl received loads of positive reactions launching the simulation software Enterprise Dynamics version 10.4. Particular new features and the user-friendliness were mentioned.  

In the discussion about online teaching, the teachers expressed great appreciation of the free-of-charge Enterprise Dynamics Student Starter extended edition. InControl made this version available since universities and Applied Sciences Institutes closed their facilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.    

A part of the new software release and the extended Student Starter edition, the following two subjects were presented: 

The first presenter was Mr. Koos van Overdijk from Avans University of Applied Sciences. He explained how they are using the Enterprise Dynamics program for many years. More than 150 students per year studying Industrial Engineering and Management uses InControl’s software program during Discrete Simulation courses. Where students have to design a soft drink factory in Enterprise Dynamics with all its features as part of a group projectMr. Koos van Overdijk, has provided this inspiring course for many years and presented the ins and outs of this case and the way he shared his knowledge during the seminar.  

Thereafter, Mr. Han Mackor of Royal Schiphol Group and Mr. Harry Bunnik of InControl explained how a Digital Twin is created. What are the starting points and what steps do you need to take before you are even ready to run Digital Twin? To give insight into this process we elaborated on our approach to the baggage handling system of Airport Amsterdam Schiphol. How does Schiphol translate a suggestion to (re)design or improve a system or process into realistic implementation using the advantages of simulation software? 

Are you interested in teaching with Enterprise Dynamics classroom?  

Become part of our active Educational User Community and discuss or share your knowledge and experiences with other lecturers. 

Just send an email or check our website.  

Pedestrian Dynamics 4.4 Now Available

Pedestrian Dynamics® 4.4 Now Available! As a global software company delivering Digital Twin Software, InControl Enterprise Dynamics is dedicated to advancing software development to meet
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InControl achieves ISO 9001 Certification

InControl achieves ISO 9001 Certification We are excited to announce that InControl Enterprise Dynamics has been officially awarded the ISO 9001 certification. This milestone showcases
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EES implementation runs smoothly due to simulation software of InControl

EES implementation runs smoothly due to simulation software of InControl

Only a year to go and a new control system must be implemented at all external border locations in Europe. The EES will be mandatory from the  2022. EES stands for European Entry / Exit System and this system regulates the digital registration of all non-European passenger traffic. The stamps in passports will be part of the past and in addition to personal data, the registration and control of fingerprints and facial recognition will also be obligated.

The European member states are responsible themselves for the organization and registration of EES at their own external borders. Collaboration and innovation are  key words for a successful and, above all, smooth/seamless border control. It is and it will remain absolutely necessary to control border capacity both from a passenger and (FedPol) staff perspective. Border locations most of the time have to be (re)designed. This is important in order to guarantee the safety and security of the passengers and residents of the host country against pandemics, persons with terrorist motives or other calamities.

Predict passenger flows


InControl is an indispensable partner for predicting crowds at border areas: airports, seaports, cruise terminals and train stations. With the simulation models of InControl, passenger flows can be made transparent and therefore better monitored and enforced. Thanks to the software it is possible to create analysis, impact- and what-if scenarios, 2D and 3D models and relevant instructions for staff and passengers. With these forecasts safe and smooth/seamless passage of passengers is ensured.

Gain insights with predictive analysis of InControl


Every border location is different and the intensity of use of those locations differs per season, per week, per day and even per moment. During the holidays it is busier at the (air)ports and train stations. And as a widebody aircraft fly in from outside of Europe, there will be a peak moment that should be anticipated and addressed. By making this transparent in advance with simulation models, a lot of very important issues can be taken into account. For example the layout and size of the border area, the installation of counters, (mobile) kiosks and hiring of adequate and sufficient (FedPol) staff. With simulated models and scenarios you can prepare and fulfil a smooth border operation. In short, be prepared very specifically for the purchase of hardware, software and staffing.

The role of simulation software is extremely useful for capacity planning by predicting and limiting waiting times, for making cost estimates, and above all ensuring the safety of passengers and residents of Europe. We will support you to meet EES-ruling in an efficient and effective manner.

Would you like to know what InControl can do for you and your organization? Please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to tell you about our experiences and expertise.

Student using Enterprise Dynamics® Software successfully at Royal Schiphol Group

Student using Enterprise Dynamics Software successfully at Royal Schiphol Group

During my graduation project of the master Operations Management and Logistics at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) I conducted a research project at the Royal Schiphol Group. In my research I worked with the software of InControl Enterprise Dynamics to improve the trucks’ lead time designated for the air cargo handling. This software was preferred since Royal Schiphol Group already collaborated with InControl before. Besides, the software is suitable for the proposed model since it is able to develop discrete-event simulations, shows the flow of the trucks, and has the possibilities to analyze and visualize the model in 2D and 3D perspectives. Moreover, the TU/e provided a user license to the students for this software.

In more detail, my research investigated the flow of trucks arriving at five airport locations to pick up or deliver goods. Specifically, their waiting times at each location were evaluated for the current situation and how the waiting times would change with the adoption of a new concept. The new concept was called Drop and Collect and allows trucks to park their trailers at a truck parking until their goods need to be further processed. This concept ensures more control of the trucks’ flow and a just-in-time handling of goods when they are needed for the next stage of transport (e.g. flying to the next destination). Since a truck parking is added to the current situation, the trucks’ waiting times will change. Enterprise Dynamics was able to measure the change in time well. The design of my models consisted of three steps. Thereafter, the results were analyzed and evaluated.

First, I developed a simulation model of the current situation in the software. Before I started this research I had never worked with Enterprise Dynamics. However, a lot of information could be extracted from the InControl community where a lot of students had asked questions that were similar to my questions. Besides, tutorials and videos were available with basic models to compare and receive information. And what I really liked about InControl is that they were very accessible to ask questions.

Second, I developed additional models for five different scenarios of the Drop and Collect concept in Enterprise Dynamics. These scenarios were more complex than the current situation. Additional simulation objects were necessary to model these scenarios. Also changes in the behavior of the model was necessary. The new scenarios required a lot of capacity and processing constraints. These could be easily implemented using the Enterprise Dynamics Script language 4DScript.

Third, I run the models using the real data sets. During the development phase of the models I worked with small self-conceived data sets to build accurate models. After the models are validated and verified real data sets were used. Therefore, the corresponding trucks’ waiting times could be analyzed by running the models. The software was really helpful by analyzing and quantifying the trucks’ flows.

Last, the results of the simulation were evaluated and conclusions about the adoption of the Drop and Collect concept were drawn.

Overall, the software of InControl gave a good representation of the trucks’ flow at the airport and show where bottlenecks occur. The possibility to show the movements in 3D are very valuable for the understanding of the system and possible errors could be found more easily.

Are you interested in a thesis project about modeling with Enterprise Dynamics? The Enterprise Dynamics Pro license is an affordable license for students working on their bachelor’s or master’s thesis. Please find more information here or contact the research education team via email. 

Pedestrian Dynamics 4.4 Now Available

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Read More

InControl achieves ISO 9001 Certification

InControl achieves ISO 9001 Certification We are excited to announce that InControl Enterprise Dynamics has been officially awarded the ISO 9001 certification. This milestone showcases
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InControl’s crowd simulation supporting Transportation industry

InControl’s crowd simulation supporting Transportation industry

The transportation industry is facing a dramatic drop in passenger activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to ensure safe travelling for passengers and complying with physical distancing requirements InControl’s crowd simulation software Pedestrian Dynamics® has been used.  InControl simulation software predicts pedestrian flows and human behavior in a detailed way with high accuracy and processing large number of travelers.

Our software in 2D and 3D visualization models enabled business partner CGI and their end customers to get insights in several key questions, if and how to:

  • meet health legislation and protocols;
  • optimize schedules and capacity;
  • support management decisions and
  • organize the content of staff training.

Business partner CGI and InControl run several scenarios and delivered reports including What-If and Impact-scenarios and 2D and 3D visualizations.

Read the article of our business partner via this link.

Future Multimodal Hub Schiphol modelled with InControl Software

Future Multimodal Hub Schiphol modelled with InControl Software

The Multimodal Hub of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is one of the largest public transport hubs in Europe and The Netherlands. Under normal (pre-COVID 19) circumstances the Schiphol public transport hub sees an average of 109,000 travelers per day. Every hour, 140 public transport buses passing through the center of Schiphol. These and other modalities all arrive, depart and transfer in and around Schiphol Plaza.

In the near feature an increasing number of people (up to 120,000) travelling through the Schiphol public transport hub is expected. In line with these numbers the current Multimodal Hub Schiphol (MHS) will be redesigned in order to create sufficient capacity to handle this increase.

InControl was requested by Schiphol to take a seat in the project organization as the passenger flow specialist. Over the course of 14 months, our team of experienced simulation engineers will assist Schiphol and the other project team members by simulating the complete new infrastructure of the new Multimodal Hub Schiphol. This will contribute to the vision of Royal Schiphol Group to create the world’s most sustainable, and high quality airport.

Pedestrian Dynamics®, InControl’s crowd simulation modelling software, is globally implemented to analyze passengers flows on airports and other public transport hubs.

Source Schiphol Group

Student Simulation Project in Public Transportation Crowd simulations at railway station Hoofddorp, The Netherlands

Student Simulation Project in Public Transportation Crowd simulations at railway station Hoofddorp, The Netherlands

Written by Jurian Fijen – Amsterdam University of Applied Science – Built Environment, Mobility

During my last year at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Bachelor of Built Environment (Mobility), I used the software  Pedestrian Dynamics® of InControl for my thesis about crowd simulations at railway station Hoofddorp, the Netherlands.

I did my research in a graduation studio within my study Built Environment, which was supervised by two teachers and the Haarlemmermeer council. Hoofddorp is the main town of the Haarlemmermeer municipality. My research goal was to find out whether Hoofddorp railway station is capable of handling all pedestrian flows in the coming years. Expectations are the station will become busier. Are adjustments needed to the station? The expected increase is partly caused by the North-South metro line which is planned to be extended from Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport and Hoofddorp. Because of this extension, pedestrian flows at the station will change and become busier. The big question is whether the bottlenecks (stair cases, platforms and concourses) at the station will be sufficient to handle an increasing number of travelers.

For my thesis I first examined the concept of crowd simulations and looked at how this could be used at railway stations. To find out whether Hoofddorp station can handle the increased demand, I looked at two things: which data and other information do I need to model pedestrian flows and how can I find out when capacity is reached?

I used the crowd simulation software Pedestrian Dynamics® of InControl to model and examine pedestrian flows. My supervisors from the university provided a Pedestrian Dynamics® Student Pro license for my thesis project.  I used the program’s tutorials and examples to master the software, after which I started my own case. By loading an AutoCAD map of the station into Pedestrian Dynamics® the infrastructure was well implemented. Adding all data I gathered from the public transport time table, the available public transport equipment, pedestrians and accompanying numbers and routes, I was able to model the pedestrian flows into the station’s infrastructure

3D Simulation Model of Hoofddorp trainstation

In the model using capacity requirements one can find out bottlenecks’ capacity. The functionality offered by Pedestrian Dynamics® allows you to examine the station using frequency maps, density maps and flow counters which allow you to find the possible problems at the stations. This all can be clearly presented in a graph visualizing results over time. This program really helped to show me what a good pedestrian capacity study for Hoofddorp station could look like.

2D Simulation Model of Hoofddorp trainstation

My final assignment made me look differently at the built environment and public transport. When it comes to capacity problems in public transport, I mainly thought of too many passengers on the trains or too little space for even more trains on the track. It shows that stations will also have to be expanded in future, because it is becoming increasingly busy and there is too little room for passenger flows. I thought it was interesting to be able to demonstrate this in my thesis.

Personally, I think it can be interesting for many courses, such as Built Environment, Civil Engineering, Traffic Engineering, Urban Planning and Architecture, to include crowd simulations in the curriculum. It allows people to view outdoor spaces and buildings, such as stations, stadiums and shopping streets in a completely different way. Finally, we have seen recently how difficult it is to come up with good solutions for environments where the infrastructure is too narrow for too large groups of people.

I am happy that I used Pedestrian Dynamics® for my assignment. It is a great program for modelling pedestrian flows in stations. The manual, the contact with the people at InControl, the tutorial and sample models have all ensured that Pedestrian Dynamics® was a great program for me to work with. I would like to keep on using the program to further improve my skills and expand my knowledge about pedestrian flows.

There are many interesting research topics in the area of crowd simulation. At the moment, many organizations struggle with capacity issues and social distancing measures. Are you interested in a thesis project about crowd modelling with Pedestrian Dynamics? Pedestrian Dynamics Student Pro license is an affordable license for students working on their bachelor or master thesis.

Find more information here or contact our research and education team at education@www.incontrolsim.com