Agent-Based Model Simulating Pedestrian Behavioral Response to Environmental Structural Changes

Amy Lobben, University of Oregon

Co-investigator:

Summary:

Our research focused on understanding the travel behavior of individuals in complex urban environments. Specifically, we investigated how land use patterns and infrastructure influence how individuals across a broad range of travel abilities navigate through urban landscapes. Our overall project goal was to develop a transportation planning tool that allows users to simulate pedestrian travel behavior. The tool was built on a computation model that was developed through rigorous measures and observations of pedestrian travel behavior. Our definition of pedestrian includes a broad perspective as one of our aspirations through this project was to expand the definition of what constitutes livability for all citizens. Through the help of project collaborators, we recruited and included people with disabilities in our measurement and modeling research. This research was conducted through a four-stage research plan. Stages one and two included testing with and observation of research participants. In stage one, we asked participants to complete a sit-down test that measures demographics and cognitive travel decision-making. In stage two, we asked the same group of participants to conduct travel activities in an urban landscape. Stage three included using the measures and observations gathered through stages one and two to generate a computational model of pedestrian travel behavior. The final stage, four, focused on developing an easy-to-use interface that will allow transportation planners to directly interact with the pedestrian model developed in stage three.

Project Details

Project Type:
Research
Project Status:
Completed
End Date:
December 31,2015
UTC Grant Cycle:
Tier 1 Round 2
UTC Funding:
$138,194

Other Products

  • Cognitive Agents (PRESENTATION)