TrafficCast International's traffic modeling process uses a combination of statistic models, heuristic models, simulation models and Dynamic Traffic Assignment (DTA) models. Each type of model is summarized below:

• The statistical models use information on flow conditions in the immediate past to estimate future values of travel time and flow. Statistical models predict traffic flow characteristics by identifying regularities in traffic flows and traffic flow patterns over time.

• The heuristic models are similar to the statistical models except that heuristical rules are used for the prediction of flow variables instead of formal statistical models. Heuristic models adapt or learn optimal applications of statistical analysis of particular trends and circumstances. Fuzzy logic and neural networks are classified as part of heuristic models.

• Simulation models typically represent each vehicle as an entity and use random numbers to predict various factors such as desired speed, red/yellow traffic light signals, and gap acceptance (acceptable time interval between oncoming vehicles to enable an “opposing” vehicle to cross the roadway). Simulation models are to estimate travel times once traffic flow volumes have been predicted by other means. Sometimes, simulation models are used to fill the data gaps where no data is available.

• A DTA model goes beyond statistical analysis of flow data to acknowledge the actual behavior of travelers. Fundamentally, it assumes each traveler uses the route that minimizes actual travel time when departing from the origin and while en route to a destination. A DTA model is used to coordinate the optimal route assignment among motorists while maintaining the feedback of real-time traffic congestion to travel time changes and traffic information provision.

One of our founders Dr. Bin Ran, whose work has setup the standard for modeling dynamic traffic network behavior around the world, is an authority and pioneer in Dynamic Traffic Assignment theory. He co-authored the following two text books that are used by many graduate schools internationally.

•Ran B. and Boyce D.E. Dynamic Urban Transportation Network Models -- Theory and Implications for Intelligent Vehicle-Highway Systems. No.417 Lecture Notes in Economics and Mathematical Systems, Springer-Verlag, Heidelberg , 1994.