In recent years, many advanced mathematical techniques developed to assist engineers have been embodied in computer programs. However, programs of this kind tend to be specific to the country of origin and possibly a few others because of a number of reasons. Perhaps the most apparent of these is the language used in the text output by the program. Other reasons include model specification and calibration which are specific to individual countries due to particular traffic behaviour and traffic and environmental conditions. This paper describes a general methodology for the development of computer programs which can be transferred readily between countries which have different languages and different traffic environments whilst maintaining their effectiveness. This is achieved by the use of external files in conjunction with special software techniques for the generation of all text output and general parameters used by the program. They are described with reference to a signal timing calculation program called CAPSET which was developed initially for use in Britain and has now been transferred for use in Greece.
Abstract