9 Resources

Tips & Tricks

Before a Model Run

• Use the correct TransCAD version and build number (listed in GitHub Releases).
• Run the model directly from your computer’s local hard drive. Do not run from the Desktop or a shared drive.
• Open the model by simply dragging and dropping the TRMG2 icon from Windows Explorer onto the TransCAD desktop.
• Ensure there is enough disk space (100+ GB) before running the model.
• Check the initial congested times file and ensure it is set to the correct year. Find this under Modify Parameters / Network Calculations / Speeds & Tolls. This will minimize model running time.
• Check the Master SE data file and ensure it is set to the correct year. Find this under Modify Parameters / Master Files.
• Detailed information and tips for Network & Transit Route Coding are located within those respective sections of the Wiki.
• Note that if a project ID is included in the ‘RoadwayProjectList.csv’, ALL attributes in the pxID fields will update the base year attributes (even if a pxID attribute is null). In the output network layer, the ‘UpdatedWithP’ field will indicate which project was used to update network attributes (there may be multiple projects associated with a given link). If the 'UpdateWithP" field is empty, base attributes are used.

During a Model Run

• After an error pops up (including workspace errors) first fix the errors. Utilize the TRMG2 documentation and wiki plus TransCAD help as resources.
• Upon fixing errors (1) delete the entire scenario Input and Output folders before restarting and (2) restart from Create Scenario as the error may impact files generated prior to the error, thus the need to restart from the beginning.

After a Model Run

• Use the Matrix Delete Tool to delete 50GB of model output files that generally aren't used.
• Get familiar with the numerous helpful summary outputs located in scenario\output_summaries.
• Most TransCAD data files have helpful information for each field. Hover the mouse arrow over the field header to see the descriptions. Alternatively, use Dataview, Table, Structure to see field descriptions.
• Get familiar with the numerous helpful tools to utilize on a scenario after the model has completely run. Go to the TRMG2 menu / Tools.
• Get familiar with the wiki which contains LOTS of helpful information.
• Interesting and potentially helpful information on POPULATION is located in the Population synthesis files output\resident\population_synthesis and scenario se data bin file output\sedata\scenario_se.bin
• Interesting and potentially helpful information on the NETWORK is located within the output network \output\networks\scenario_links.dbd.

Others

• To test how the model reacts to a small network or sedata modification, use the Fixed OD Assignment Tool. First, create the new scenario, then within the scenario input folder, make the network changes within the scenario links layer, scenario_se.bin file, etc. And then utilize the tool. The model will complete in significantly less time than completing an entire new model run.
• The save turning movement tool will not run by default. To turn it on, go to Modify Parameters / Assignment and change the "saveturn" parameter value from 0 to 1.
• In the output network layer, the ‘UpdatedWithP’ field will indicate which project was used to update network attributes. If it is empty, base master link layer attributes were used.
• Note that Area Type is dynamic. It is a calculated field based on the scenario's SE data and network geography. Apply caution when comparing TAZ area type across multiple scenarios as the value and designation may change.

Acronyms

These acronyms are used in the model often to shorten file, field, or matrix core names.

Travel Modes

• SOV: Single-occupancy vehicle
• HOV2: High-occupancy vehicle (2 passengers)
• HOV3: High-occupancy vehicle (3+ passengers)
• Auto Pay (Uber/Lyft/Taxi)
• CV: commercial vehicle
• SUT: Single-unit trucks
• MUT: Multi-unit trucks

Transit Modes

Transit networks/skims/assignment files have the following pattern: [access mode]_[primary mode])

• Access Mode
  • w: walk
  • pnr: park and ride
  • knr: kiss and ride
• Primary Mode
  • lb: local bus (Mode = 2)
  • eb: express bus (Mode = 3)
  • brt: bus rapid transit (Mode = 4)
  • cr: commuter rail (Mode = 5)
  • lr: light rail (Mode = 6)
  • all: non-home-based transit trips which use any transit mode

Trip Types

Trip types have the following pattern:

[tour type]_[homebased]_[purpose]_[duration]

• TourType
  • W: Work
  • N: Non-work
• Homebased
  • HB: Home-based (one trip end at home)
  • NH: Non-home-based
• Purpose
  • Work tours:
    • W: Work
    • WR: Work related (e.g. a delivery)
    • EK12: Escort child to school
    • O: Other
  • Non-work tours:
    • K12: school (K-12)
    • OME: Maintenance, shopping, dining
    • OMED: Medical
    • OD: Other / discretionary (all other trips)
• Duration
  • Long: Activity above 30 minutes
  • Short: Activity below 30 minutes
  • All: Long and short durations (meaning duration was not used to stratify)

University Trip Types

• UC1: On Campus
• UCC: Inter Campus (campus to campus)
• UCO: Cambus-based-other (campus to other)
• UNC: Home-based-campus (home to campus)
• UHO: Home-based-other (home to other)

Market Segments

• v0: zero-vehicle
• ilvi: income-low; vehicle-insufficient
• ilvs: income-low; vehicle-sufficient
• ihvi: income-high; vehicle-insufficient
• ihvs: income-high; vehicle-sufficient

Parking Districts

The parking model component of the TRMG2 determines where auto travelers will park and either walk or take transit to their ultimate destination. The model is only applied to CBD and university areas where parking is generally limited and requires payment. There are eight parking districts

• 1 - Carrboro
• 2 - UNC (including remote parking areas)
• 3 - Durham Downtown
• 4 - Duke University
• 5 - NCSU (Main Campus, Centennial Campus and Fairgrounds PnR)
• 6 - NCCU
• 7 - Raleigh Downtown
• 8 - Hillsborough