This study describes the Eindhoven University of Technology 'Simulation Model of Activity Scheduling Heuristics' (SMASH). The activity patterns of a family household in different spatio-temporal situations were simulated, based on the specific time allocation patterns. The TRANSCAD Geographical Information System (GIS) package was used to prepare the input data for the simulations, and to visualize the results. It can be concluded that the accessibility of functions in the West Brabant area is satisfactory. However, travel distances needed to perform the activity pattern differ among different spatio-temporal settings. In TRANSCAD the activity patterns were converted into traffic flows on the road network using a traffic assignment procedure. It can be concluded that the simulations provide useful insights into: (1) the possibilities of the spatio-temporal settings; (2) the expected activity patterns; and (3) their mobility effects. The use of TRANSCAD has been an important condition to conduct the simulations. The generation of distance matrices and the selection of potential locations would not be possible without the help of a GIS package. The visualization of the results is also very important for the applicability of the simulation model in practice. (A)
Samenvatting