Traffic flow simulations based on microscopic models

Microscopic car-following models are widely used to generate traffic flow simulations. In some cases visualization on macroscopic scales (both spatial and temporal) are required to provide relevant feedback to researchers. Recent studies have indicated that the life time of highway traffic jams is severally influenced by temporary deviations of the driving style of individual motorists. The most influential parameters are the longitudinal acceleration and the headway distance produced by car drivers soon after leaving a congestion situation. To study the effects of acceleration profiles on the life times of congestions it is crucial to generate traffic flow simulations which can be viewed at highly varying spatial and temporal scales. The influence of adaptive cruise control (ACC), for example, is one of the factors that can be forecasted using traffic flow simulations