Real-Time Massive Data Simulation Visualization

Abstract

High-quality, microscopic transportation simulation output visualization systems are extremely difficult and time consuming to generate. Existing systems do not allow for real-time, interactive simulation visualization output. This project developed the means to dynamically display and interact with, in four-dimensions, the real-time simulation output from a stochastic microscopic traffic simulation model. The 4D visualization system described in this paper provides true spatial awareness and can convey information that cannot be easily explained by traditional two dimensional visualization methods. The system provides the means to take multiple large scale simulation outputs (like TSIS-CORSIM) at various time frames and allow them to be visualized concurrently (or sequentially) and seamlessly in an existing 4D environment. The system affords the viewing of the simulation output in a virtual world complete with aerial photography, terrain mapping, weather animations, buildings, and other features.