An Iterative Method to Design Traffic Flow Models

Existing traffic flow modeling theory lacks of guidelines to construct traffic flow models from scratch. In addition, traffic flow models are mainly analyzed with computer simulation then computer programs are involved in the test of the model. Different methods have been proposed not just from traffic flow but for modeling in general, however, existing methods do not rely on iterative process, which is widely used for designing software. In this paper a methodology to generate traffic models is presented. The methodology proposes an agile iterative process to design traffic flow models. The method has been validated with a real life case study; a model for a sector of the traffic flow in Puebla City. Data were gathered from the city and used to validate the model. In addition, an algorithm to modify the traffic lights´ control accordingly to the global traffic conditions was developed and tested with the collected data. The results show a reduction in traffic density during peak hour for traffic.