Vistro Traning Manual

PTV Vistro
PTV Vistro
Vistro Manual
Training
Classroom Training
Copyright
© March 2013, PTV AG
All brand or product names in this documentation are trademarks or
registered trademarks of the corresponding companies. All rights
reserved.
PTV AG In association with:

Stumpfstr. 1 PTV America, Inc.
76131 Karlsruhe 9755 SW Barnes Road,
Germany Suite 550
Portland, Oregon 97225,
USA
www.ptvgroup.com
Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is subject to change
without notice and should not be construed as a commitment on
the part of the vendor. This document may not be used for any
other purpose than the personal use of the purchaser. No part
of this handbook may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
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copyright, without the prior written permission of PTV AG.
Printed April 2013

Table of Contents
1 Vistro Introduction ...............................................................................5

1.1 Use Cases 5
2 Getting Started .....................................................................................6

2.1 Interface Overview ........................................................................6
2.2 File Structure .............................................................................. 11
3 Base Model Setup ............................................................................. 13

3.1 Network Setup ........................................................................... 13
3.2 Background Images ................................................................... 14
3.3 Building the Network .................................................................. 14
3.4 Activity Lesson 1 ........................................................................ 19
3.5 Intersection Setup ...................................................................... 21
3.5.1 Common Parameters .................................................. 22
3.5.2 Lane Configuration ..................................................... 23
3.5.3 Signalized Intersection Setup ..................................... 25
3.5.4 Roundabout Intersection Setup .................................. 26
3.5.5 Two-way Stop & All-way Stop Intersection Setup ...... 29
3.6 Activity Lesson 2 ........................................................................ 30
3.7 Volumes 34
3.8 Activity Lesson 3 ........................................................................ 37
3.9 Traffic Control ............................................................................ 38
3.10 Activity Lesson 4 ........................................................................ 44
4 Evaluation and Reports.................................................................... 46

4.1 Interface Tabular Calculations ................................................... 46
4.2 Activity Lesson 5 ........................................................................ 46
4.3 Graphical / Network display ....................................................... 47
4.4 Activity Lesson 6 ........................................................................ 47
4.5 Printing Reports ......................................................................... 47
4.6 Vistro Report Contents .............................................................. 49
4.6.1 Analysis Results (tabular) ........................................... 49
4.6.2 Analysis Figures (graphical) ....................................... 50
4.6.3 Signal Warrants (tabular) ............................................ 50
4.6.4 TIA Reports (tabular) .................................................. 50
4.6.5 Signal Timing Output (graphical) ................................ 50
4.7 Activity Lesson 7 ........................................................................ 51
5 Evaluating Future Conditions ......................................................... 53

5.1 Scenario Management............................................................... 53
5.2 Activity Lesson 8 ........................................................................ 53
6 Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) ........................................................... 55

6.1 TIA Network Elements ............................................................... 55
6.2 Trip Generation .......................................................................... 57
6.3 Trip Distribution .......................................................................... 58
6.4 Trip Assignment ......................................................................... 60
6.5 Activity Lesson 9: Traffic Impact Analysis ................................. 62
7 Mitigation Analysis ........................................................................... 67

7.1 Activity Lesson 10: Mitigation .................................................... 68
8 Signal Timing Optimization ............................................................. 70

8.1 Local Optimization ..................................................................... 70
8.1.1 Local Optimization for a Single Intersection ............... 70
8.1.2 Local Optimization for All Intersections ...................... 71
iii
8.2 Activity Lesson 11: Local Optimization ...................................... 72
8.3 Network Optimization ................................................................. 73
8.4 Network Optimization Signal Coordination Groups................... 73
8.5 Network Optimization Routes .................................................... 74
8.6 Network Optimization Setup ...................................................... 76
8.7 Network Optimization Methods.................................................. 77
8.7.1 Genetic Algorithm Network Optimization ................... 77
8.7.2 Hill Climbing Network Optimization ............................ 79
8.8 Activity Lesson 12: Network Optimization ................................. 80
9 Vistro External File Integration ....................................................... 83

9.1 Transoft OTISS .......................................................................... 83
9.2 Trafficware Synchro ................................................................... 83
9.3 PTV Abstract Network Model (ANM) ......................................... 84
9.4 Regional Model, Navigational Network, & GIS Data ................. 84
10 The Complete Vision Traffic Suite .................................................. 85

10.1 PTV Visum 85
10.1.1 Import from Visum....................................................... 85
10.1.2 Export to Visum........................................................... 85
10.2 Activity Lesson 13: Visum Import .............................................. 85
10.3 PTV Vissim 86
10.3.1 Preview in Vissim ........................................................ 86
10.3.2 Export to Vissim .......................................................... 86
10.4 Activity Lesson 15: VISSIM Preview & Export .......................... 87
11 Help Resources ................................................................................. 88

1 Vistro Introduction
PTV Vistro is a complete traffic analysis solution giving you all the tools
necessary to complete traffic engineering and transportation planning
studies and evaluations.
With PTV Vistro, you can evaluate development impacts, optimize and re-
time traffic signals, evaluate intersection levels of service, and generate
report-ready tables and figures. This makes it a useful tool for many
different types of traffic and transportation studies, saving you time
through its all-encompassing functionality.
1.1 Use Cases
Signal Systems Operations and Re-Timing Studies

Expedite the analysis of signal systems operations
Perform re-timing studies
Optimize intersections, corridors and networks
Corridor Studies
Re-design facilities
Identify proper traffic control devices
Evaluate future mitigation needs
Traffic Impact Analyses (TIA)

Conduct trip generation, distribution and assignment of
development traffic
Manage multiple scenarios
Test and evaluate mitigations
Create comprehensive reports
Transportation Master Plans

Efficient data entry and storage
Incorporation of long-range forecasting data
5 © PTV Group 2013

2 Getting Started
2.1 Interface Overview
Window Interface Descriptions

The Vistro software User Interface contains the following (see Figure 1:
Vistro Interface):
Shows the Program Title, Version, Service Pack number, and

(1) HEADER Network Filename; for demo versions, “Demo” is added to the
version number.
Contains drop-down menus, undo/redo shortcuts, scenario
(2) MENU BAR
selector, intersection selector and the Vissim previewer.
Displays the Scale Ratio (current scale ratio

display of the Network Area) and the Coordinates
(3) STATUS BAR
(x-y coordinates of the mouse
location in the Network Area).
© PTV Group 2013 6

Displays the currently opened network, including the
background map / image and representation of the roadway
(4) NETWORK geometry. In this window, you can build and edit the network
WINDOW structure graphically, using the items from the Toolbar. You can
also move and adjust the display using the zoom and
windowing tools.
In this window, data is shown for the relevant task button
selected. This will reflect associated data tables and functions
(5) DATA
specific to each task. Selection of a workflow Task Button
WINDOW
results in the display of the related workflow table in the Data
Window.
(6) TOOLBAR Contains the tools for adding network objects.
(7) WORKFLOW Contains the tabs for data entry and analysis for various stages
PANEL of the project workflow.
(8) GRAPHICS
Contains various graphical displays for the network window.
SELECTOR
Toolbar
The Toolbar contains the objects to build your network:
Insert an Intersection into the network. Selecting the most

recently used Intersection type (default is Signal) or by click
Intersection
the arrow below in order to view and select the various
intersection types, as described below.
Signal Insert a signalized intersection into the network.
Insert a two-way stop controlled intersection into the network.

Two-way
Stop-controlled approaches are defined during the network
Stop
setup.
All-way Stop Insert an all-way stop controlled intersection in the network.
Roundabout Insert a roundabout intersection into the network.
Insert intersections into the network that do not require

Unknown analysis. These are sometimes referred to as “dummy”
nodes.
7 © PTV Group 2013

Insert a Zone into the network to represent a development
location that generates trips on the network. Zones are not
Zones
required when conducting analyses that do not include
generated trips.
Insert a Gate into the network at all end-points of the study
network. Gates act as a terminus for the outbound trips from
Gates a Zone and a starting point for the inbound trips to a Zone.
Gates are not required when conducting analyses that do not
include Zones.
Insert a Path on the network. Paths are user-defined
connections linking Zones and Gates in the Network and are
Paths used to assign new trips to the network in conjunction with
other program features (trip generation, trip distribution and
trip assignment).
Routes are user-defined connections linking intersections
Routes that are used to define optimization routes. These are used
in conjunction with Network Optimization.
Workflow Panel
The Workflow Panel has Basic Network, TIA, and Additional tabs:
Base Network Workflow Tabs
Input data for the intersection number, name, control

Intersection
type, analysis method, base turning movement
Setup
volumes, and all geometric and physical data.
Input expanded data for turning movement volumes,

Volumes including adjustment factors, growth rates, and traffic
impact analysis (TIA) demand components.
Input traffic control information for specific traffic

Traffic
control type and methodology and view the capacity
Control
analysis and results.
© PTV Group 2013 8

TIA Workflow Tabs
Input trip generation characteristics for each Zone

including land use and quantity, trip generation
Trip Generation
rates, percentage splits ins and outs, and calculated
trips.
Input the trip distribution to and from Zones and

Trip Distribution
Gates.
Allocate path shares for each path created between

Trip Assignment
each Zone and Gate.
Additional Workflow Tabs
Network Define optimization routes, view time-space

Optimization diagrams, and run network optimization.
Evaluate potential mitigation measures and

interactively view the resulting changes to the
Mitigation
intersection calculations such as delays, LOS, and
queuing.
Graphics Selector
The graphics selector buttons allow you to toggle various parameters on
and off in the network view.
Intersection turning movement volumes can be

displayed on the network by toggling the Show Turning
Movements button. Clicking the arrow below this
Show Turning
button allows the selection of the following turning
Movements
movement volumes for display: Final Base Volume, In
Process Volume, Net New Site Trips, Other, and Final
Total Volume.
Show Final Final Base volumes by turning movement are

Base Volume displayed at each intersection.
Show In
In Process volumes by turning movement are
Process
displayed at each intersection.
Volumes
9 © PTV Group 2013

Show Net New Net New Site Trips by turning movement are displayed
Site Trips at each intersection.
Other volumes by turning movement are displayed at

Show Other
each intersection.
Show Future Future Total volumes by turning movement are

Total Volume displayed at each intersection.
The intersection LOS grade is displayed on the
network by selecting the Show LOS button. Level of
Show LOS service A, B, C, D, E or F and an associated color are
displayed on the network based on the LOS calculation
results.
The traffic control type by icon representing signalized,
Show Control
two-way stop, all-way stop, roundabout, or unknown is
Type
displayed for each intersection.
Show Traffic The intersection LOS, average delay and V/C are
Conditions displayed.
The comparison of link volumes from the entry of the
Show
link to the exit of the link (determined from the Final
Unbalanced
Base Volumes for the intersection turning movements)
Flows
by direction is displayed on the network.
Network Window Shortcuts

Vistro provides you with shortcuts to further assist in building and
evaluating your networks.
Network Task Shortcut Details

Zoom-in to Shift + mouse click and drag Defines rectangular
rectangular zoom
window
Zoom in Scroll center mouse wheel Zooms network in
forward
Zoom out Scroll center mouse wheel Zooms network out
backward
Panning Click and drag center mouse Pans network
wheel
Keyboard arrow keys
CTRL+Left mouse click and drag
© PTV Group 2013 10

Network Task Shortcut Details
Insert Intersection Right-click and select Insert Inserts chosen
Intersection and choose intersection type at that
intersection type location in the network
Insert Zone Right-click and select Insert Zone Inserts Zone at that
location in the network
Insert Gate Right-click and select Insert Gate Inserts Gate at that
location in the network
Insert Multiple Select node type from toolbox Allows for quick insertion
Nodes (Intersection, Zone, Gate), press of multiple nodes of the
and hold CTRL key on keyboard same type , without
and left-click to place nodes having to reselect from
tool box
De-select current Press Esc key on keyboard De-selects toolbox
toolbox selection selection
Delete network Select item by mouse-click, and Allows for quick deletion
item press Delete key on keyboard of network items
Undo CTRL + z Undoes most recent
network action; can be
performed for multiple
actions
Re-do CTRL + y Re-does previously un-
done action; can be
performed for multiple
actions
Save CTRL + s Saves file
Save File As... CTRL + Shift + s Calls up Save As…
dialog to save file under
a new name
2.2 File Structure

Vistro model files are saved with the extension .vistro. All data necessary
to perform an analysis is contained within this model file, including the
network, geometry, volume, intersection control, signal timing, trip
generation/distribution, paths, and mitigation alternatives.
When scenarios are created for scenario management, the Vistro project
file is saved with the extension .vistropdb. Vistro uses the project file to
manage the .vistro files associated with the various scenarios.
11 © PTV Group 2013

When opening a network with a single scenario, go to File > Open
Network and select the desired .vistro file. When opening a project that
contains one or more scenarios, the .vistropdb file must be opened by
going to File > Open Project.

3 Base Model Setup
This chapter covers the process involved with setting up a project

containing a single scenario. This workflow will be expanded to include
multiple scenarios in a later chapter. The base model setup involves the
following steps.
1. Network Setup: defining global parameters and loading.
2. Load Background Images: using Bing Maps or custom images.
3. Building the Network: adding intersections and road segments.
4. Intersection Setup: defining the physical information for each
intersection
5. Volumes: inputting Base volumes, volume adjustments, growth
rates, and development-related volumes
6. Traffic Control: enter all traffic control data based on the control
type and methodology
3.1 Network Setup
Creating a New File

A new Vistro network file can be created by opening an instance of Vistro
by double clicking on the vistro.exe file or with in the Vistro interface by
going to File > New. Save the network by going to File > Save As... and
enter a network name.
Global Settings
The first step in setting up a new network is to define the global settings
parameters before building the network. With global settings you can set
certain parameters as the default for new intersections added to the
network. This is done through Edit > Global Settings.
Once these parameters are defined, they will be used as the default value
for any new network object you create. These values can be changed at
the local level at any time.

3.2 Background Images
The network background provides the visual foundation for drawing your
street network, including intersection placement, definition of geometry,
and identification of development sites. With Vistro, you have two options
for your network background:
Bing™ Maps
Background Image Files
Bing™ Maps and Satellite Imagery

Vistro includes a fully licensed internet feed from Bing™ that includes
satellite aerial images and map labels. You can toggle these on and off
using the My Network, Labels and Aerial Images selector. These maps
assist with scale, orientation, network drawing and display.
Upon opening Vistro, the Bing™ maps live feed will display. There must
be an internet connection in order to display the Bing™ maps.
Simply zoom to the study area location in the Network window with the
Bing™ maps background to begin building your network, using the zoom
and pan functions.
Background Image Files

You can use background image files either in conjunction with or instead
of the Bing™ Maps option. Further details on working with background
images will be covered in in the traffic impact analysis lesson.
3.3 Building the Network

Drawing networks in Vistro is a simple point and click operation like most
modern windows based programs. This section provides a step by step
guide to drawing networks in Vistro.
Building your network can be completed in three basic steps:
1. Select your network background
2. Add your intersections
3. Complete your street network
Add your Intersections

Once you have the appropriate background image, your next step is to
add the intersections to include in your network in the appropriate location.
Insert intersections using the toolbar or context menu, as described below.

Inserting Intersections Using the Toolbar
1. Select the Intersection icon from the Toolbar.
2. Activate the desired intersection type if the current symbol is not the
desired type. Intersection types are changed by clicking on the
below the current intersection type icon and clicking on the desired
intersection type from the list.
3. Left click in the network window to place the intersection in the correct
location.
4. To insert multiple intersections, hold down the CTRL key as you click
in your network.
5. This keeps the insert intersection active. When you are finished,
deactivate the insert intersection using the “Esc” key on your keyboard
or toggling the Insert Intersection button off on the toolbar.
Inserting Intersections Using the Context Menu

1. Right click in the network window to open a context menu:
2. Select the required intersection by left clicking the list of available

types.
3. Repeat for each intersection.
Once your intersections have been added, you can edit their location and
configuration, as described in the following sub-sections.

Moving and Deleting Intersections with Node Handles
Each intersection in your network has a “Node Handle”.
If you hover over the intersection, this Node Handle is shown as a dark
blue circle at the center of the intersection.
Left-clicking on this Node Handle selects the intersection for editing.
To move an intersection, simply left-click and drag the Node Handle to the
new desired position in your network.
To delete an intersection, select the intersection by clicking on the Node
Handle. You can then use the Delete key or right-click and select “Delete
Intersection” from the context menu.
Removing, Adding, and Moving Intersection Legs

Once intersections are added to your network, you can remove, add, and
move the legs to reflect the true intersection geometry. Vistro is able to
accommodate intersections with up to 8 legs.
Removing Intersection Legs
In addition to the “Node Handle”, each existing leg of your intersection has
a “Leg Handle” located at the end of each leg. Hovering over the
intersection will highlight all available Leg Handles in gray. As you hover
over a specific Leg Handle, it will become active and shown in blue. These
Leg Handles are similar but smaller than the Node Handle.

To remove a leg using the Leg Handle, follow these steps:
1. Select the leg by left-clicking to select the Leg Handle.
2. Delete by using the Delete key on your keyboard or right-clicking to
activate the context menu and select Delete Link and Legs.
Adding and Moving Intersection Legs

To add intersection legs, follow these steps:
1. Select the Node Handle for the intersection.
2. Right-click and select Add Leg.
3. Left-click and drag the Leg Handle to the appropriate position.
Complete your Street Network

You can now complete your street network by connecting the intersections
and adjusting the roadway to match the actual geometry with two steps:
1. Connect intersections
2. Add Poly Points
Connect your intersections as follows:
1. Left click over the unconnected intersection Leg Handle to select
(highlighted blue).
2. While holding the left mouse button, drag and drop the Leg Handle
over another the Leg Handle to connect the two and create a link
between them.
If you drag and drop the Leg Handle over a Node Handle, a new leg
will be created for the Node Handle with a link between the Leg
Handle and new Leg Handle.

You can adjust your roadway geometry by adding and editing Poly Points
on the link between two connected intersections and on the leg to an
isolated / disconnected intersection. Poly Points are shown as blue
squares and you can add or delete as many as needed.
To add Poly Points automatically:

1. Left-click and drag any point on the link to create a Poly Point.
2. Continue to do this to achieve the desired roadway geometry.
To add Poly Points using the context menu:
1. Left-click to highlight the leg or link (it will highlight in blue).
2. Right-click and select Insert Poly Point.
To edit Poly Points:
1. Drag and reposition the shape points to add curvature to the link.
To delete Poly Points, you can do this several ways:
1. Left-click to highlight a Poly Point and use the Delete key on your
keyboard.
2. Right-click on a Poly Point and select either
Delete Poly Point or
Delete All Poly Points on Link (this will reset the geometry to a
straight link between the two connected intersections)

To disconnect intersections, hover over the Link to delete, right-click and
choose one of the following options:
Delete Link – this will delete the connection between the two
intersections while retaining the legs independently, including all
defined Poly Points.

Hint: You can also delete the Link by using the Delete key on your
keyboard.
Delete Link and Legs – this will delete the connection between the
two intersections and the Legs that were connected, removing
these legs from each of the intersections.
3.4 Activity Lesson 1

In this lesson we will build our base network.
Open File
1. Open network file “…\Vistro Training\Example 1\Example1_Start.vistro
2. This network already contains one intersection.
Set Global Settings

3. Before we add intersections, we can define global values for select
parameters that will then be applied to all new intersections added. Go
to Edit > Global Settings.
4. Set the global settings as follows:
Uncheck Located in CBD
Amber = 4 seconds
Speed = 25 mph

Insert Intersections
5. Zoom out and insert intersections with the appropriate control type as
shown in the figure below. Roadway segments and intersection details
will be defined in later steps.

Complete Street Network
6. Connect intersection legs and add in curvature to complete the street
network as shown in the following figure. Delete intersection legs
where necessary.
3.5 Intersection Setup
Now that the network structure is complete, you can enter the necessary
data to complete your model and analyze the operations.
The first step in the Workflow is to define the geometric and physical
parameters of each intersection in the Intersection Setup. The table
parameters automatically change based on the defined intersection control
type and methodology so you enter only the required data. Some of the
parameters are dependent on a parent parameter or are calculated based
on other entries. These dependent parameters are greyed out until the
parent parameter is defined.

3.5.1 Common Parameters
Every intersection setup table includes common parameters. Once the

control type and methodology are defined, the parameters relevant to that
combination are displayed. The common parameters displayed below are
for all control types.
Intersection Setup: Common Intersection Setup Parameters
Parameter Description Units

Number Unique number of the intersection. Intersections are n/a
numbered consecutively, however the preset number
may be overwritten by another number that does not
already exist in the network.
Intersection Name of Intersection n/a
Control Type Intersection control type [Options: Unknown, Signalized, n/a
Roundabout, All-way Stop, Two-way Stop]
Name Name of Approach n/a
Approach Direction of Approach. Eight approaches possible [NB, n/a
SB, EB, WB, NW, NE, SW, SE]
Lane Graphical selector and representation of the lane n/a
Configuration configuration for each approach described below.
Turning Direction of turning movement. When there are more n/a
Movement than 4 legs it is possible to have more than one left or
right turn for a particular movement. In this case the
adjacent turn movement will be appended with the
number 2.
Base Volume Base traffic volume input by user. Base volume may be Veh/h
Input entered in either the intersection setup table or the
volume table.
Total Analysis Calculated total analysis volume. The total analysis Veh/h
Volume volume includes all volume adjustments defined and site
development trips if present.

Intersection Setup: Common Intersection Setup Parameters
Units
ANM
2000
2010
Para-
ICU
212
meter Description
Analysis Intersection capacity analysis methodology for
Method selected intersection based on control type.
Lane Width of the travel lane ft or
Width m x x x x x
Default = 12 ft (3.7 m), Range: any number
No. of Defines how many lanes of the approach
Lanes in geometry are pocket lanes, most commonly
Pocket used for turning movements but may be used
x x x x x
for through movements as well. Pocket lanes
are always defined to either the left or right of
the through movement.
Pocket Length of the respective pocket lane(s) ft or
Length m x x x
Default = 0; Range: 0-approach link length
Median Indicates presence of a center median for the
approach. A median is a dividing separation x
between opposing directions on an approach.
Median Length of the median for the selected approach ft or
x
Length measured upstream from the stop bar location. m
Median Width of median for selected approach ft or
width m x
Speed Speed of selected approach mph

Default = 30 mph (48.3 km/h); Range: 1 - 255 or x x x
km/h
Grade Grade (slope) of the selected approach %
x x x
Default = 0; Range: 0.00-100.00
Cross- A checked box defines a crosswalk on the
x x x
walk selected approach
Cross- Half width of the crosswalk. This parameter is ft or
walk used if exporting to Vissim. Default = 6 ft (1.8 m x
Width m) Range: 0-any real number
3.5.2 Lane Configuration
Vistro offers a graphical lane configuration window with pre-defined

templates and full flexibility to define your specific lane configuration.

To define your Lane Configuration for an approach:
1. In any table in the Basic Network Workflow Tabs, double-click on the
Lane Configuration to bring up the dialog for that specific approach.
2. Click on the lane(s) to define the Lane Configuration. Click outside of
the Lane Configuration dialogue to exit and save.
3. To cancel, click the “x”.
The Lane Configuration dialog is shown below.
Here, you will find pre-defined templates and all movement arrows for the
approach based on the total number of approaches at the selected
intersection. You can define the lane configuration in two ways.
Select an approach template

Simply click on any of the templates in the window to highlight it in green.
Select by Individual Movement and Arrow

To see all movement arrow possibilities for the approach, click on the “+”
sign in the dialog:
Here, you can add or subtract specific movement arrows by hovering over
the arrow and clicking on the green “+” or red “-“buttons. As you change
this, you will see the number of lanes associated with that movement
arrow currently defined for the approach.

As you select the desired movement arrows, other movement arrows will
become unavailable if they conflict with the current selection.
3.5.3 Signalized Intersection Setup
The Intersection Setup table for signalized intersections is shown in the

figure below.
Intersection Setup: Signalized Intersection Table
The intersection setup table for the signalized control type includes all of
the common parameters listed above, plus the parameters listed in the
table below. This table also lists for each parameter if applicable, units,
default values, value ranges, relevant signalized methodology (HCM 2010,
HCM 2000, ICU, Circular 212), and ANM indicator if the parameter is used
when exporting to Vissim.

Intersection Setup: Signalized Intersection Setup Parameters
Para-
Units
ANM
2000
2010
ICU
212
meter Description
Median A checked box defines a center median for the x
approach. A median is a dividing separation
between opposing directions on an approach.
Median Length of the median for the selected approach ft or x
Median Width of median for selected approach. ft or x
width m
Channel- A checked box defines a channelized right turn x

ized lane (left turn for left-hand model) for the
approach.
Channel- For a channelized turn lane, defines the control x
ized for entering the mainline traffic.
Control Options: SC (Signal Control), Stop, Yield, Target
Lane (free)
Channel- Radius of the channelized turn that tangentially ft or x
ized approximates to the outer boundary of the two m
Radius approaches of the turn movement.
Default = 20 ft. Range = 0 – approach link length
Right A checked box turns on right turn on red (RTOR) x x x x x
Turn on for right turn movement (left turn for left-hand
Red model).
3.5.4 Roundabout Intersection Setup
The intersection setup table for the roundabout control type includes all of
the common parameters listed above, plus the parameters listed in the
following table.
Some of the geometry parameters for the Kimber methodology have a
letter reference (i.e. (D)) at the beginning of their description referring to
parameter reference in the following figure:

Description of the Node Geometry for the Kimber model
Intersection Setup: Roundabout Specific Intersection Setup Parameters
Kimber
Units
ANM
2010
Parameter Description
Cross-walk Distance of the crosswalk setback from the line of ft or
Setback sight on the approach. m
Default = 0; Range: 0-300 ft (91.4m)
Bypass A checked box defines a channelized right turn lane x
Lane (left turn for left-hand model) for the approach.
Bypass For a channelized turn lane, defines the control for x
Control entering the mainline.
Default = Yield; Options: Without, Stop, Yield,
Target Lane (free)
Bypass Radius of the bypass turn lane that tangentially ft or
Radius approximates to the outer boundary of the two m
approaches of the turn movement.
Default = 20 ft; Range: 0-approach link length

Kimber
Units
ANM
2010
Entry Lane (E) Width of approach directly at entry across all ft or x x
Width lanes. m
Default = sum of the approach lane widths.
Entry (R) Radius of the entry on the specified approach. ft or x x
Radius More specifically the radius which tangentially m
approximates to the outer circle of the roundabout
and the outer boundary of the approach.
Default = 50 ft (15.2 m); Range: 0-500 ft (152.4 m)
Entry Angle (Φ) See Description of the Node Geometry for the deg x x
Kimber model.
Default = 45 degrees; Range: 0-180 degrees
Approach (V) Road width of approach without any turn ft or x x
Half Width pockets. m
Default = 10 ft (3.1 m); Range: 5-50 ft (1.5-15.2 m)
Flare (L‘) Half of the Length of the approach segment ft or x x
Length between the points where Entry Lane Width and m
Approach Half Width are measured.
Default = 60 ft (18.3 m); Range: 3-60 ft (0.9-18.3 m)
Grade (SEP) Distance between approach and exit of the ft or x x
Separation same node leg. For regular roundabouts specify 0 m
ft. With values > 0 you describe the approaches at
expanded roundabouts where the approach is far
away from the exit of the same leg.
Default = 0; Range: 0-300 ft (91.4 m)
No. of Number of lanes in the circle that conflict with the x x
Circulating entry.
Lanes
No. of Exit Number of exit lanes on the specified approach. x
Lanes
Exit Lane Width of the exit lane on the specified approach. If ft or x
Width there is more than one exit lane, then each lane will m
use this value.
Default = 12.0 ft (3.66 m); Range: 8-60 ft (2.4-18.3
m)
Exit Radius Radius of the exit on the specified approach. ft or x x
Default = 50 ft (15.2 m); Range: 3-500 ft (0.9-152.4 m
m)

Kimber
Units
ANM
2010
Inscribed (D) External diameter of the roundabout. For ft or
Circle asymmetric roundabouts specify the radius related m
Diameter to the environment of the specified approach.
Default = 75ft; Range: 32.8-656.2 ft (10-200 m)
Circulatory Width of the circulatory roadway. ft or x
Roadway Default = sum of lane width for the approach; m
Width Range: 3-500 ft (0.9-152.4 m)
Splitter A checked box defined presence of a splitter island x
Island for the selected approach.
Splitter Length of the Splitter Island measured from the ft or x x
Island outside boundary of the circle. m
Length Default = 0; Range: 0-approach link length
Splitter Width of splitter island at the outside boundary of ft or x
Island the circle. m
Width Default = 0; Range: any real number
3.5.5 Two-way Stop & All-way Stop Intersection Setup
The intersection setup tables for the all-way and two-way stop control
types include all of the common parameters listed above, plus the
parameters listed in the following table.
Intersection Setup: Two-way & All-way Stop Intersection Setup Parameters
Units
ANM
2000
2010
Median A checked box defines a center median for the x
approach. A median is a dividing separation between
opposing directions on an approach.
Median Length of the median for the selected approach ft or x
Default = 0; Range: 0-approach link length
Median Width of median for selected approach. ft or x
width Default = 0; Range: 0-any real number m
Channel- A checked box defines a channelized right turn lane x

ized (left turn for left-hand model) for the approach.

Units
ANM
2000
2010
Channel- For a channelized turn lane, defines the control for x
ized entering the mainline traffic.
Control Options: SC (Signal Control), Stop, Yield, Target
Lane (free)
Channel- Radius of the channelized turn that tangentially ft or x
ized Radius approximates to the outer boundary of the two m
approaches of the turn movement.
Default = 20ft; Range: 0-approach link length

In this lesson we will input the intersection setup data for four
intersections, each of a different control type.
Open File
1. Open network file “…\Vistro Training\Example
1\Example2_IntersectionSetup.vistro
Select Intersection
2. Zoom to intersection #1 using the Intersection Selector pull-down.
Setup TWSC Intersection

3. Select intersection #1 and open the Intersection Setup table. Enter
intersection geometry and parameters according to the following aerial
image and list. Leave non-listed parameters as default values. The
volume will be entered in the next activity lesson.
E-W road name = “Tualatin-Sherwood Rd“
N-S road name = “Langer Farms Pkwy”
EBL pocket length = 200 ft.

EBR pocket length = 200 ft.
WBL pocket length = 350 ft.
E-W speed = 35 mph
N-S speed = 25 mph
No crosswalks on E-W approaches
Crosswalk width on S approach = 6ft.
Setup AWSC Intersection

4. Select intersection #4 open the Intersection Setup table. Enter
image and list. Leave non-listed parameters as default values.
E-W road name = “Century Dr”
N-S road name = “Baler Way”
Crosswalks on all legs, width = 6ft.
Speed on all legs = 25 mph

Setup Signalized Intersection
SE-NW road name = “Tualatin-Sherwood Rd“
NE-SW road name = “Shopping Center Access”
NEBL pocket length = 75 ft.
EBR pocket length = 200 ft.
NWBL pocket length = 225 ft.
SEBL 2 pocket lanes, length = 170 ft.
SE-NW speed = 35 mph
NE-SW speed = 25 mph
Right turn on red for all legs

Setup Roundabout
E-W road name = “Century Dr”
N-S road name = “Langer Farms Parkway”
Speed on all legs = 25 mph
Crosswalk setback = 25 ft.
NB, SB, WB # of circulating lanes = 2
NN, SB # of exiting lanes = 2
Exit radius on all legs = 115 ft.
Inscribed circle diameter on all legs = 185ft.
Circulating roadway width = 12 ft.

3.7 Volumes
One of Vistro’s most powerful features is its trip accounting capability. With
Vistro there are multiple layers of volumes and adjustments that can be
entered to achieve the desired analysis volume. When performing a traffic
impact analysis (TIA) in Vistro, trips associated with a development are
automatically calculated for each turn movement in the network once the
trip generation, distribution, and assignment have been performed.
Additionally, Vistro provides place holders to make volume adjustments,
such as in-process trips from an already approved, but not yet built
development that needs to be included in the analysis.
In the case of a non-TIA project, all of the TIA-related parameters are
grouped together and can be collapsed in the volume setup table by using
the arrow button to the left of the TIA Demand header. Parameters that
appear italicized in the volume setup table are calculated values. All
parameters in the volume setup table are described below in the following
tables.
Volumes Parameters

Basic Volume Inputs
Number Unique number of the intersection. Intersections are
numbered consecutively, however the preset number may
be overwritten by another number that does not already
exist in the network.
Intersection Name of Intersection.
Approach Direction of approach as defined under the intersection
setup table.
Lane Shows lane configuration as defined in intersection setup
Configuratio table.
n
Base Summary of Base Volume Input, description below. veh/h
Volume
Input
Total Summary of Total Analysis Volume, description below. veh/h
Analysis
Volume

Base Base traffic volume input by user. veh/h
Volume
Input
Base User definable adjustment factor to apply to base volume
Volume input (e.g., seasonal adjustment factor).
Adjustment
Factor
Final Base Base volume representing the base condition. veh/h
Volume = Base Volume Input * Base Volume Adjustment Factor
Heavy Percent of heavy vehicles for each turn movement.
Vehicles Default = 2; Range: 0-100
Percentage
Growth Rate Growth rate to be applied as multiplicative factor to adjust
volume to future year analysis.
Default = 1.000
TIA Demand
In-Process User definable volume input typically used to account for veh/h
Volume trips already approved by a nearby development that is not
yet in place.
Future Future volume before any trips are added for the new veh/h
Background development.
Volume = Final Base Volume * Growth Rate + In-Process Volume
Site- Trips calculated from the new development(s) based on the veh/h
Generated trip generation, distribution, and assignment paths. Making
Trips changes to any component of the trip generation process
will result in a change to this value.
Diverted Trips attracted from the traffic on roadways within the veh/h
Trips vicinity of the development site but require a diversion from
that roadway to another roadway to gain access to the site.
Diverted trips add traffic to the roadways adjacent to a site.
Value may be negative or positive.
Pass-by Trips made as intermediate stops to the development on veh/h
Trips the way from an origin to a primary trip destination. This
field is used in tandem with the Trip Generation for a zone.
Primary trips (non-pass-by) can be generated and assigned
to the study network, while pass-by adjustments at project
driveways can be entered in these fields. Value may be
negative or positive.

Existing Site User defined volume adjustment to account for trips either veh/h
Adjustment added or removed due to changes in the land use to
Volume accommodate the new development. For example, an
existing apartment complex is removed to allow
construction of a new retail shop. In this case, trips from the
apartment complex have been accounted for in the base
volume and now need to be removed. This parameter may
be positive or negative.
Net New Total new trips added to the system after accounting for all veh/h
Trips adjustments.
= Site Generated + Diverted + Pass-by + Existing Site
Adjustment Volume
Additional Volume Adjustments and Calculations
Other User definable volume not accounted for by other volume veh/h
Volume parameters.
Future Total Total future volume after all site generated trips and volume veh/h
Volume adjustments have been made.
= Future Background Volume + Net New Trips + other
volume
Right-Turn Volume adjustment to account for vehicles per hour that veh/h
on Red turn right on a red signal. Value is positive.
Volume
Total Hourly Total hourly future volume after accounting for right-turn on veh/h
Volume red.
Peak Hour PHF based on the Highway Capacity Manual used to adjust
Factor the hourly volume to reflect the 15-minute peak flow rate.
Default = 1.0000; Range: 0.2500-1.0000
Other User defined adjustment factor to account for factors not
Adjustment accounted for by any other parameter.
Factor Default = 1.0000; Range: 1-99.9000
Total 15- Estimated total vehicles during the highest 15-minute period veh
Minute of the peak hour.
Volume = (Total Hourly Volume * 0.25 / PHF) * Other Adjustment
Factor
Total Calculated total analysis volume, including all volume veh/h
Analysis adjustments and factors defined.
Volume = Total 15-Minute Volume * 4

Pedestrian Pedestrian volume on crosswalk of selected approach. This Peds
Volume volume is utilized in the HCM calculation and to generate /h
pedestrian input for crosswalks when exporting to Vissim.
Bicycle Bicycle volume crossing selected approach as similar to the Bicyc
Volume pedestrian crossing. les/h

In this lesson we will enter volume data for each of the four intersections
we just entered the intersection setup data for.
Open File
3\Example3_IntersectionVol.vistro
Enter Volume Data

2. For each intersection in the table below, enter the Base Volume Input,
Heavy Vehicle Percentage, and Peak Hour Factor. For the signalized
Intersection #7, also enter right-turn-on-red (RTOR) reduction volumes
and bike and pedestrian volumes as indicated in the table below.
Future and development volumes will be addressed in later lessons.
Int Northbound Southbound Eastbound Westbound
Name PHF
# L T R L T R L T R L T R
Tualtin-Sherwood Rd @
Langer Farms Pkwy 0.92 15 1 40 0 0 5 2 675 60 130 850 0
1
Heavy Veh % 2 0 4 2
Century Dr @ Langer
Farms Pkwy 0.90 65 60 0 0 105 35 15 0 60 0 0 0
3
Heavy Veh % 2 2 2 0
Int Northeastbound Southwestbound Northwestbound Southeastbound
Name PHF
# L T R L T R L T R L T R
Century Dr @ Baler Way 0.82 10 10 5 45 25 45 10 45 30 45 25 10

4
Heavy Veh % 0 3 3 2
Tualitan-Sherwood Rd @
Shopping Center Access 0.93 70 25 55 25 25 70 60 715 45 60 680 175
RTOR 6 7 5 18
7
Heavy Veh % 3 2 3 4
Ped Vol 15 10 15 10
Bike Vol 5 5 10 10

3.9 Traffic Control
This section provides a listing of all of the traffic control parameters and
their definitions. The traffic control input tables are unique to each control
type and the specified methodology. Some parameters are inputs,
whereas others are calculated values. Calculated values in italics are not
editable. Some calculated parameters may be overridden by the user. A
full description of the methodologies can be found in the Vistro user
manual in the Analysis Methods chapter.
Signalized Intersections
The following table details the traffic control parameters for signalized
intersections utilizing the HCM 2000 and 2010 methodologies. Vistro also
provides traffic control parameters for the critical movement analysis
methodologies Circular 212 and ICU. These methods are not covered in
this training course; however they are detailed in the Vistro user manual.
Traffic Control Parameters: HCM 2010/ HCM 2000 for Signalized Intersections
Sim Only
Units
Intersection Settings
Analyze A check box indicates this intersection will be included in
Intersection? the analysis and reports.
Analysis Time period for the analysis, either 15 min or 1 hr.
Period
A check box indicates the intersection is in a central
Located in business district. When active sets the area type
CBD (saturation flow) adjustment factor to 0.90. See HCM for
description of CBD area.
Controller ID Intersection number.
Signalized intersections of the same sub group are
Coordination
coordinated collectively. Multiple sub groups (coordinated
Sub-Group
corridors) are permitted.
Controller cycle length. This is the maximum time it will
Cycle Length take for each signal group to cycle once. The cycle length S
is only used for coordination.

Sim Only
Units
Coordination Defines whether the controller is coordinated or free

Type operation.
Defines whether the controller operates as fixed time, fully
Actuation Type
actuated or semi-actuated.
When coordinated, the local cycle timer will be offset from
Offset the master cycle timer by the defined offset time relative S
to the reference point.
This is the point in the cycle where the master cycle timer
will be equal to the defined Offset time when the controller
is coordinated and not in transition (offset seeking). The
selections are:
LagFO (Lagging Force-Off)
LeadGreen (Leading Start of Green)
LagEnd (End of Lagging Red)
CoordEnd (End of Coordinated Group Red)
Coordination Offset Reference Modes
Offset
X
Reference
This setting defines the permissive mode for the

Permissive coordination pattern. The permissive mode controls the
X
Mode method in which permissive periods are opened and
closed for all non-coordinated signal groups.
Total time per cycle not effectively being used due to
driver reaction time, acceleration, and deceleration at the
Loss Time start and end of active signal groups. This is typically S
three to four seconds per signal group, times the number
of signal groups.

Sim Only
Units
Phasing and Timing

Defines control of movements as: permissive; protected;
Control Type
protected / permissive; split; overlap.
Allow Lead/Lag Checkbox to allow for lead/lag optimization.
Optimization
Signal Group The signal group is the signal phase number.
Lead/Lag Selection for Lead or Lag left turn for protected phasing.
Minimum Minimum green time that the signal group will serve
S
Green before changing to yellow.
Maximum time that the signal group will be allowed to
extend before it will max-out. A max-out will make a signal
Maximum
group eligible to terminate, even though it may not have S
Green
gapped-out. This parameter when exported to RBC is
reflected as Max1.
Time a signal group will time an amber interval before
Amber S
advancing to red.
Time a signal group will time red before a conflicting
All red S
signal group will be allowed to begin timing.
Amount of time allocated in the cycle for each signal
group to time. The split includes the time it will take the
green, yellow, and red intervals to time for each signal
group. The split should at least accommodate the signal
group Min Green plus Yellow Clearance plus Red
Split S
Clearance time, but it does not necessarily need to
accommodate the full pedestrian service time for an
actuated pedestrian signal group. The sum of the splits of
all signal groups in each ring should add up to the Cycle
Length.
Allowed time between successful vehicle extensions
Vehicle before a signal group will gap out. This parameter may be
S X
Extension referred to as passage in some controllers and does not
affect the capacity calculation.
Minimum time a signal group will display a walk indication
before advancing to the pedestrian clearance interval
Walk (flashing don’t walk). A signal group may not advance to S
yellow while the pedestrian movement is in the walk
interval.

Sim Only
Units
Amount of time a signal group will display a flashing don’t

walk indication before advancing to solid don’t walk. A
Pedestrian
signal group may not advance to Yellow while the S
Clearance
pedestrian movement is in the pedestrian clearance
interval.
Signal groups flagged for this option will receive an
Minimum automatic vehicle call regardless of actuation and time for
X
Recall at least its minimum green time. The green time may
extend beyond the minimum if demand is present.
automatic vehicle call and extension. The maximum green
Maximum
timer will unconditionally begin timing at the beginning of X
Recall
green. Normally, the maximum green timer will only time if
there are opposing calls to the signal group.
Pedestrian
automatic pedestrian call and time for the full walk plus X
Recall
pedestrian clearance time.
When a signal group has a call in the next barrier group,
concurrent phases in that barrier group may not have a
call. In such case both the signal group with the call and
the signal group with no call will begin timing when the
Dual Entry barrier is crossed if both signal groups are flagged with X
Dual Entry. This feature is often used for through
movement signal groups such that if one signal group is
called, the signal group in the opposite direction will
automatically serve, even if it does not have a call.
Detector Checkbox to choose detector. X
Detector Location of Detector. ft /
X
Location m
Detector Length of detector. ft /
X
Length m
At the bottom of the signalized traffic control table is the sequence editor
and timing diagram. The sequence editor provides up to 4 rings and 8
barriers to define the sequencing. The timing diagram displays the vehicle
and pedestrian phases based on the timing parameter and sequence
input. Barriers are added or removed by left clicking between cells. When
a barrier is added a thick gray line is shown in the sequence editor and a
gray and white checkered line represents the barrier in the timing diagram.
A barrier is always assumed at the end of the sequence.

Two-Way Stop Controlled Intersections
The key input parameters for the HCM 2010 Traffic Control table for two-
way stop controlled intersections are shown below. Further description on
the HCM 2010 capacity analysis parameters and methodology can be
found in the Vistro user manual. Vistro also provides inputs for the HCM
2000 methodology. Further details on the HCM 2000 TWSC parameters
can be found in the Vistro user manual.
Key Traffic Control Input Parameters: HCM 2010 for TWSC Intersections
Priority Scheme Defined approach as either free or stop controlled.
Analyze A check box indicates this intersection will be
Intersection? included in the analysis and reports.
Analysis Period Time period for the analysis, either 15 min or 1 hr.
All-Way Stop Controlled Intersections

The key input parameters for the HCM 2010 and 2000 traffic control table
for all-way stop controlled intersections are shown below. Further details
on the capacity analysis parameters and methodology can be found in the
Vistro user manual

Traffic Control Parameters: HCM 2010 & 2000 for AWSC Intersections
A check box indicated this intersection will be
Analyze Intersection?
included in the analysis and reports.
Proportion of HV, PHV Heavy vehicle percentage.
Roundabouts
The key input parameters for the HCM 2010 Traffic Control table for
roundabouts are shown in the following table. Vistro also provides the
option for the Kimber roundabout analysis method. Further details on the
HCM capacity analysis parameters and the Kimber roundabout
methodology can be found in the Vistro user manual.
Traffic Control Parameters: Roundabouts - HCM 2010
Intersection
A check box indicates this intersection will be
Analyze Intersection?
included in the analysis and reports.
No. of Conflicting Number of conflicting circulating lanes in the circle
Circulating Lanes at the select approach.
Lanes
Overwrite Calculated Checkbox to allow for overwriting of calculated
Critical Headway? critical headway.
User-Defined Critical A user defined critical headway may be used to
Headway calibrate the HCM capacity model. s
Overwrite Calculated Checkbox to allow for overwriting of calculated
Follow-Up Time? follow-up time.
User-Defined Follow- A user defined follow-up time may be used to
Up Time calibrate the HCM capacity model. s

In this lesson we will setup the intersection control data for each of our
four study intersections we have been working with in the previous lesson.
Open File
4\Example4_ControlSetup.vistro
Enter Intersection Control Data

2. For intersection #1(TWSC), confirm northbound and southbound
approaches are stop controlled. Leave the analysis period at 15
minutes.
3. For intersection #3 (Roundabout), enter the number of circulating
lanes at each approach.
4. For intersection #4 (AWSC) there are no control input parameters

necessary other than the analysis period.

5. For intersection #7 (Signal), enter the signal timing data per the
following parameters and as shown in the table below:
Free running
Protected left phasing NEB & SWB
Protected/permitted phasing NWB & SEB
Right-turn overlap phase SWBR
Lagging left turn phasing
NEBL NEBT SWBL SWBT NWBL NWBT SEBL SEBT

Signal Group 3 8 7 4 1 6 5 2
Min Green 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
Max Green 15 25 15 25 15 60 15 60
Amber 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
All Red 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Vehicle
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Extension
Walk 5 5 5 5
FDW 12 13 13 12
Min Recall X X
Dual Entry X X X X
Detector X X X X X X X X
Detector
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Location
Detector
16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16
Length

4 Evaluation and Reports
Vistro provides instantaneous and complete reporting for your completed

network. The results are calculated based on the methodology selected for
each control type. The results may be viewed directly in the Traffic Control
tab, graphically on the network, or by generating an all-inclusive report.
4.1 Interface Tabular Calculations

In the Traffic Control table, you will find tabular calculation sub-tables
below the intersection settings for each control type, based on the analysis
method selected. All values shown in italics are calculated values. Some
parameters may be manually overwritten by checking a box to use the
manually entered value. The methodologies beyond HCM 2010 (as
explained in Section 3.9) can be found in the Vistro User Manual.
All control types and methodologies provide a Movement, Approach, &
Intersection Results summary sub-table.

In this lesson we will review the HCM 2010 calculations and results in the
traffic control tables for each of our four intersections.
Open File
1. Open network file “…\Vistro Training\Example5\
Example5_HCMresults.vistro
Review Traffic Control Tabular Calculations

2. At intersection #1 (TWSC), review Traffic Control sub-tables for
Capacity Analysis and Movement, Approach, & Intersection Results.
3. At intersection #3 (Roundabout), review Traffic Control sub-tables for
4. For intersection #4 (AWSC), review Traffic Control sub-tables for
5. The HCM 2010 signalized methodology involves more calculations
then the methods for the other control types. For intersection #7
(Signal), go to the traffic control table and review the sub-tables for
Lane Group Calculations, Saturation Flow, Capacity Analysis, Lane
Group Results, and Movement, Approach, & Intersection Results.

Test the Tabular Calculations
6. For intersection #7(Signal), adjust some of the Phasing and Timing
parameters and note how the calculations in the sub-tables below
automatically recalculate.
4.3 Graphical / Network display

The Graphics Selector toolbar buttons allow you to toggle various
parameters on for display in the network view. These parameters include:
Volume (various)
Intersection LOS
Control type
Traffic Conditions (LOS, avg delay, v/c)
Unbalanced Flows

In this lesson we will view the available graphics display options.
Open File
Example6_Graphics.vistro
Try Graphics Selector

2. Zoom to intersection #7.
3. Use the graphics selector to show the turning movement volumes.
View the available volume parameters to display.
4. Zoom to show the entire network.
5. Use the graphics selector to view the options for intersection LOS,
control type, traffic conditions, and unbalanced flows.
4.5 Printing Reports

Vistro provides a complete set of report-ready tables and figures,
formatted for efficiency, easy-reading, and jurisdictional review. The
following sections detail how to create your report and include a
description of the reports generated.

Report Setup
Report production can be initiated in the Reporting dialog window
available from File > Print Report
There are 4 tabs:

Report Nodes: Select nodes to include in the report and set hourly
volume factors for the Signal Warrants Report.
Report Zones: Select the Zones to include in the report.
Report Corridors: Select the optimization Routes to include in the
report.
Page Layout: Configure page setup, headers, and footers for
printing.

Report Page Layout
4.6 Vistro Report Contents

The Vistro Report contains several components, as described below.
4.6.1 Analysis Results (tabular)
The analysis results are summarized and provided in a series of tabular

outputs. Tables are generated for each intersection control type and
analysis method in Vistro. The following analysis results reports are
generated.
Intersection Analysis Summary Report (all intersections)
Intersection Level of Service Report (per intersection)
Summary Information
Intersection Setup
Volumes

Phasing & Timing
Movement, Approach & Intersection Results
4.6.2 Analysis Figures (graphical)
The Vistro Report also contains several graphical figure reports, including:
Study Intersections (location map & number)
Lane Configurations and Traffic Control Devices
Traffic Volume (Base, In-Process, Net New Site, Other, Total
Analysis)
Traffic Conditions (LOS, Delay, V/C)
4.6.3 Signal Warrants (tabular)
The Signal Warrants report presents the details of the determination of

whether unsignalized intersections would meet the warrants for a traffic
signal based on the MUTCD 2009 Signal Warrants Analysis Method. The
following warrants are tested and reported:
Warrant #1: Eight Hour Vehicular Volume
Warrant #2: Four Hour Vehicular Volume
Warrant #3: Peak Hour Vehicular Volume
The Signal Warrants report opens with a summary of the three warrants
followed by a detailed report of each warrant.
4.6.4 TIA Reports (tabular)
The Vistro Report contains several summary reports for the traffic impact
analysis features. These reports will be covered in detail during a later
lesson.
4.6.5 Signal Timing Output (graphical)
The Vistro Report contains a time-space diagram report for each

optimization route. This report will be covered in detail during a later
lesson.

In this lesson we will review the HCM 2010 calculations and results in the
traffic control tables for each of our four intersections.
Open File
Example7_Reports.vistro
Configure the Report Layout

2. Go to File > Print Report.
3. In the Report Nodes tab, select only intersection numbers 1, 3, 4, and
7 by checking the appropriate boxes. Leave the signal warrant volume
factors as default. There are no zones or routes to report in this
example.
4. In the Page Layout tab, save the report file as a PDF to the Example7
folder.
5. Add a company logo image file by clicking on the three dots and select
the file companylogo.png.

6. Enter in information in the other available fields, and then drag the
corresponding color dot to the page layout to configure the header and
footer of your report.
7. Once the page layout is complete, check Open Report After Print,
then click the Print button.
8. The report will now open as a PDF file. Review the various reports
that are included in the Vistro report. Also note the header and footer
on each page.

5 Evaluating Future Conditions
5.1 Scenario Management

With Vistro, you can manage several scenarios in a single project file
using the Scenario Manager. Vistro will maintain your Base Scenario and
track the variations for additional scenarios that you define.
The Scenario Manager is located in
the Menu Bar. Here, you can add
, duplicate , and delete
scenarios. The scenario chosen in
this window is the currently selected
scenario for editing.
When starting a new Vistro project,
the network you build will be your
Base Scenario. You then define
scenarios such as Weekday AM Peak
or Weekday PM Peak.
The Base Scenario is the foundation for all other Scenarios; therefore, any
changes made to the Base Scenario are perpetuated through all other
Scenarios. This allows you to make network, volume, or traffic control
changes and apply them to all scenarios created.
File Structure for Scenarios

When Scenarios are created, Vistro creates a subfolder in the directory
where your Vistro (*.vistro) file is saved. In this folder, a Vistro project file
(extension *.vstropdb) is created.
Additional internal files used to track scenario changes are also created,
however, there is no need to access these files directly. When working
with a Vistro project, you only need to open the Vistro project file.
Once you have created scenarios and you have closed Vistro, the
scenarios will only be accessible in a new Vistro instance by opening
the *.vistropdb project file under File > Open Project.

In this lesson we will evaluate a future conditions analysis by setting up
and modifying new scenarios.

Open File
Example8_Scenarios.vistro
Setup Scenarios
2. Go to the scenario manager pull-down menu and click the button
to create a new scenario 1: VistroScenario.
3. Rename this scenario by right clicking in the pull-down on the scenario
name and select Rename. Rename the scenario “2013 PM Existing”.
4. Create a second scenario called “2015 PM No Build” to represent the
future no build scenario.
Setup Future Conditions Network

5. At this point both scenarios defined have all of the information as the
Base Scenario. In the scenario manager select the 2015 PM No Build
scenario to make it the active scenario. Enter the following data:
Growth rate of 1.04 for all study intersections. (Use multi-edit)
Set up the geometry of Tualatin-Sherwood Road to have 2 through
lanes in each direction from the Shopping Center Access east to the
edge of the network.
Enter In-Process volumes for the following intersections. These
volumes represent a development that is already approved for year
2015, but are not reflected in the base count volume or background
growth with the growth rate factor.
Northbound Southbound Eastbound Westbound
Int # Name
Left Thru Right Left Thru Right Left Thru Right Left Thru Right
Tualtin-Sherwood Rd @
1 Langer Farms Pkwy 25 0 35 0 0 0 0 0 55 50 0 0
Northeastbound Southwestbound Northwestbound Southeastbound
Int # Name
Left Thru Right Left Thru Right Left Thru Right Left Thru Right
Tualitan-Sherwood Rd @
7 Shopping Center Access
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 70 0 0 45 0
Update All Scenarios

6. Updates to the Base Scenario will be reflected in all scenarios. Make
the following changes to the Base Scenario and confirm the data is
updated in both scenarios.
For intersection #7, in the Volumes table, change the SEBL volume
from 60 to 80.
For intersection #7, in the Intersection Setup table, change the
SWBR to a pocket lane with a 100 ft length.

6 Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA)
Vistro provides all the functionality to complete a traffic impact analysis in

the TIA portion of the Workflow Panel, which includes the following:
1. Trip Generation: Input all the trip generation data for each Zone
2. Trip Distribution: Use the tables to distribute trips between Zones and
Gates
3. Trip Assignment: Assign development trips to the network along the
previously built Paths
The network must also be defined to include zones, gates, and paths to
apply the trip generation, distribution, and assignment. Completing these
steps allows you to track your development trips through the network and
account for them at each intersection. To complete each of these steps,
activate the appropriate data table in the Workflow Panel.
6.1 TIA Network Elements
Zones
Vistro Zones are objects used to represent development sites. Similar to
intersections, you can add zones to your network using the Toolbar or the
Context Menu.
Adding Zone Using the Toolbar

1. Select the zone icon from the toolbar.
2. Left click over the network window to place the zone in the correct
location.
Adding Zone Using Context Menu

1. Right click in the network window (this will
open a context menu).
2. Select Insert Zone by left clicking the list
option.
Moving a Zone
1. Reposition the Zone(s) as needed by left-clicking and dragging to the
proper location.

Deleting a Zone
1. Left click or hover over the zone/gate to select it (highlighted blue).
2. Right click and select
elect Delete Zone/Delete Gate from the context
menu; or press Delete on the keyboard.
Gates
In Vistro, traffic for development Zones is routed to and from traffic Gates.
These objects can be placed anywhere in your network and represent the
areas where traffic flows to and from the development Zones. Gates are
created, positioned, and deleted using the same methods as zones, but
with the Gates button active instead.
Paths
Zones and Gates are not physically connected to the network by links.
Paths are drawn to connect Zones and Gates throughout the network,
which allows for the assignments of new trips between Zones and Gates
along the network.
Paths from a Zone to a Gate (outbound paths) are drawn by selecting the
Path tool and then clicking on a Zone and all intermediate intersections
and finally double-clicking
clicking the destination Gate.
Similarly, paths from a Gate to a Zone (inbound trips) are drawn by
clicking on the Gate first, then all intermediate intersections and finally
double-clicking the destination
stination Zone. Once defined, paths can be selected
in the Trip Assignment workflow table and the selected path is displayed
graphically in the network window.
To add a Path, do the following:
1. Select the Path object from the Toolbar.
2. In the network window, click on the Zone or Gate to start the Path.
3. Click at the end of the link where the path will enter the street network.
4. Click on the next intersection in sequence to include in the Path.
5. Continue clicking on each intersection to include in the Path.
6. Click at the end of the link where the Path will exit the street network.
7. Double-click
lick on the Zone or Gate to end the Path.

6.2 Trip Generation
In this Workflow step, you will enter the Trip Generation data for each
development Zone in the network in a tabular setup. The data entry is all
user-defined with calculations completed based on your entries. Data
entry is similar to other data tables in the Workflow Panel, using text and
numerical entries, drop-down lists, and checkboxes. Each of the trip
generation entries is described in the table below.
Table Trip Generation Parameters
Parameter Description Details

No Zone number
Name Zone name Project name
Land Use Description of land use Examples include single family
type residential, office, retail, etc.
Land Use Code number for Example would be the use of an ITE land
Code referencing land use type use code from Trip Generation Manual
Data Entry Rate or Trips Users can enter either a trip generation
rate or directly enter the number of trips
Independe Variable that is the basis Examples include dwelling units,
nt Variable of the trip generation rate thousand square-feet of leasable area,
occupied hotel rooms, etc.
Trip Trips per independent For the time period of the analysis.
Generation variable
Rate
Quantity Quantity of the Examples include number of dwelling
Independent Variable units, amount of square-footage, etc.
% In % of trips inbound to the
Zone
% Out % of trips outbound from
Zone
Trips Number of trips Product of Independent Variable x Trip
Generated generated Generation Rate x Quantity
Trips In Number of trips Product of Trips Generated x % In if Data
generated inbound to the Entry = Rate, or user entered value if
Zone Data Entry = Trips
Trips Out Number of trips Product of Trips Generated x % Out if
generated outbound from Data Entry = Rate, or user entered value
the Zone if Data Entry = Trips

Parameter Description Details
Trip Type Trip added to or removed Added: for all new trips to the network
from the network (i.e., from new development projects);
Removed: for trips removed from the
network (i.e., representing a land use
being removed)
Analyze Checkbox to select if When checked, trips from the Zone will
Zone should be analyzed be generated for the current scenario
or not in current scenario
Comment Comment text field User defined text entry field
6.3 Trip Distribution

Trip distribution inputs are entered in the Trip Distribution Workflow Task
Table. The percentages of trips from each Gate and/or Zone in the
network to the Zone of interest are entered to reflect the trip distribution of
inbound trips. Similarly, the percentages of trips from the Zone of interest
to each Gate and/or Zone in the network are entered to reflect the trip
distribution of outbound trips.
The table for each zone can be collapsed or expanded, to allow for ease
of viewing, by clicking the triangle shape on the left-side of the table
header bar for each zone.

The trip distribution percentages are utilized, along with the trip generation
data entered in the Trip Generation and the Path percentages entered in
Trip Assignment to determine the traffic assignments on the network.
Trip Distribution parameters are described in the table below.
Trip Distribution Parameters
Zone #: Name Reference Zone # and Name for subtable
To Zone Name Trips entering the Zone from other Gates (or Zones)
From Gate (or Zone) trips come from (to enter subject Zone)
From Share, % Percent Share of trips for subject Zone that are distributed
from each Gate (or Zone)
From Trips Total number of trips for the subject Zone that are distributed
to each Gate (or Zone), based on the From Share %
From Zone Name Trips exiting the Zone to go to Gates (or Zones)
To Gate (or Zone) trips travel to from the subject Zone
To Share, % Percent Share of trips distributed from the subject Zone to
each Gate (or Zone)
To Trips Total number of trips distributed to each Gate (or Zone) from
the subject Zone, based on the To Share %
It should be noted that, due to data consistency, changing a share % for
one Zone may change the share % for another Zone as the number of
trips from one zone to another zone may not be represented as the same
Share % for each of those zones.
Vistro also provides additional functions to assist with data entry. These
are described below:
Trip Distribution Functions
Function Description
Zone and Gate Name Enter a Zone / Gate name in the table.
Search Zone Search zone number or name by selecting in pull-down
or entering value.
Mirror Distribution Replicate the shares input for either the To or From to
the opposite input by using the left and right arrows in
the header of each sub-table.
Column Filter Use the filter for the Share % or Trips to view only
specific values (e.g., only show values greater than 0%).

6.4 Trip Assignment
After the Trip Generation and Trip Distribution have been defined, you can
assign your development trips to the network in the Trip Assignment step.
Here, you define the allocation of the shares of trips to take specific paths
between each Zone and Gate (or Zone and Zone) pair.
The table above will show any Paths already created in your network. You
will complete the Trip Assignment in two steps:
1. Add all Paths for your Trip Assignment
2. Define the Volume Share for each Path
Add Paths for your Trip Assignment

You can add Paths as described above, using the Path tool. In addition, in
the Trip Assignment step, you can also use the “Add Missing Paths”
function, which will look for any Zone-Gate and Zone-Zone pair that does
not currently have at least one Path defined and generate the shortest
distance path for that pair.
This is useful if you want to generate an initial set of Paths without using
the Path tool. It is also useful if you add Zones and/or Gates and need to
provide at least one Path between the new Zones and Gates. Paths
created through the use of the Add Missing Paths function will be denoted
as “Automatically generated” in the Name column of the Trip Assignment
Workflow Table.
When a row is selected in the Trip Assignment Workflow Table, the
corresponding path is displayed visually in the network window.

The volume share (path percentages) entered here are applied, along with
the trip generation and distribution data, to determine the traffic
assignments on the network.
Trip Assignment Parameters
Name Path Name – enter it directly in the cell. For those paths
that are generated through the “Add Missing Paths”
function, the default name is “Automatically generated” but
this can be edited.
Origin Number of the Zone/Gate that starts the Path
Origin Name Name of the Zone/Gate that starts the Path
Destination Number of the Zone/Gate that ends the Path
Destination Name Name of the Zone/Gate that ends the Path
Volume Share, % Percent of volume for that Zone-Gate or Zone-Zone pair
assigned to the specific Path
Volume Volume for that Zone-Gate or Zone-Zone pair assigned to
the specific Path
Length, ft or m Length of the Path measured from the network entry point
to the network exit point (it does not include the distance
from the network end points to the Zone / Gate)

6.5 Activity Lesson 9: Traffic Impact Analysis
In this lesson we will setup the network for a traffic impact analysis
scenario and evaluate the level of service for our study intersections.
Open File
1. Open network file “…\Vistro Training\Example9\ Example9_TIA.vistro
Setup TIA Scenario

2. Go to the scenario manager pull-down menu and click the down arrow
button to duplicate the 2015 PM No Build scenario. Rename the
duplicate scenario to 2015 PM Build.
Insert Site Plan as Background Image

3. Go to the Map Layers pull-down menu and select Add background
Image. Select the file SitePlan.jpg.
4. Scale the image by dragging the corners of the image. Then position
the image by left click while dragging from the center. The image
should be scaled and positioned as follows.
Code in the Development Network Improvements

5. Add one west driveway and two southern driveways as shown on the

site plan. Also connect the road segments along the southern
development boundary as shown below.
Add Zones
6. Add 5 new zones, one for each land use of the development. Add the
zones in order according to the numbers on the site plan. This
development has three retail pads (5a, 5b, & 5c) that all have the
same land use. These buildings will be represented in the Vistro
network with a single zone with the cumulative square footage.
footage
Enter Trip Generation Information

7. Select the trip generation workflow button and enter the trip generation
data based on the table below. The trip generation rates for this
example utilize the data from the
t ITE Trip Generation Manual, 8th
Edition.
Hint: It may be helpful to switch the table position under the View
menu

Land Use Trip Quantity % %
Zone Lane use
Code Rate (ksf) In Out
1 Free Standing Discount Store 815 5.00 150.2 50 50
2 Fast Food w/ Drive-thru 934 33.84 3.5 52 48
3 Quality Restaurant 931 7.49 10 67 33
4 Bank w/ Drive-thru 912 25.82 3.5 50 50
5 Shopping Center 820 3.73 30 49 51
Add Gates
8. Gates are used to represent the external points of the study area,
serving as origins of the inbound trips and destinations of the
outbound trips. Add gates in order as shown in the image below.
Define Trip Distribution

9. Select the trip distribution workflow button and enter the trip
distribution percentages for each zone-gate
zone pair. Assume the same
shares too and from all gates and zones. Gates may be renamed in this
table as an optional step.
Hint: Use the Mirror Trips feature to copy To shares to From
shares.

15%
15%
30%
20% 20
20%
Add Paths
10. Select the paths workflow button. Initially no paths are defined. Click
the Add Missing Paths button.
11. A path to and from each Zone
one-Gate pair is now defined. Review the
automatically defined paths.
12. Manually defined a new path from Zone 1 to Gate 7 as shown below

13. Set the volume share for this new path to be 60 percent and set the
original Zone 1 to Gate 7 share to be 40 percent.
14. Repeat steps 12 and 13 adding the inbound path from Gate 7 to Zone
1, with the same volume shares.

7 Mitigation Analysis
Vistro provides functions to evaluate potential mitigation measures for

intersections that may not meet operational standards. Upon editing the
inputs while testing mitigations, the calculations change “on the fly” to
provide the user with an interactive mitigation testing environment.
In the Mitigation table, the Unmitigated condition is always present. Here,

you can see the basic Intersection Setup and Traffic Control parameters
associated with the overall operations at the intersection. Any changes
made in the Unmitigated condition will be applied to the network.
For each Mitigation Option, the Unmitigated Summary is shown at the top
of the table for easy comparison. In this Mitigation Option table, you can
change the Control Type, Analysis Method, and the associated geometry
and traffic control parameters.

Not all parameters are available for editing in the Mitigation Option as the
intent is to provide a reasonable analysis with minimal data entry to
evaluate the feasibility of various Mitigation measures.
Additional functions and features enable easier Mitigation testing as well
as comparison of results across the Options, as summarized below.
Table Mitigation Functions and Features
Function Description
Add Mitigation Click to add a new Mitigation Option. Vistro
Option allows up to 99 individual options per
intersection
Delete Mitigation Click to remove this Mitigation Option from the
Options Mitigation Table.
Rename Double click on the Tab name to edit the name.

Mitigation Option
Duplicate Generates a duplicate Mitigation Option
Print Prints summary of current Mitigation Option
Print All Prints summary of all Mitigation Options
Optimize Splits Optimizes local splits and cycle time for current
and Cycle Time Mitigation Option
Optimize Splits Optimizes local splits only (maintains cycle time)
for current Mitigation Option
7.1 Activity Lesson 10: Mitigation

In this lesson we will mitigate deficiencies identified at select intersections
in the network. This network is complete and already includes the
complete traffic impact analysis steps.
Open File
1. Open Project file “…\Vistro
Training\Example10\Example10_Mitigation\
Example10_Mitigation.vistropdb
2. Load scenario 3: 2015 PM Build

Identify Deficiencies
3. Zoom in to intersection #1 and #6 at the northwest corner of the
development site.
4. Turn on the LOS graphical display.
Mitigate Intersection #1
5. Select intersection #1 and go to the Mitigate button. Click the “+”
button to add a mitigation option
6. Modify the intersection geometry to mitigate the intersection to LOS D.
Mitigate Intersection #6
7. Select intersection #6 and go to the Mitigate button. Click the “+”
button twice to add two mitigation options.
8. For mitigation option #1, change the control type to signalized and
setup new timing parameters.
9. For mitigation option #2, change the control type to roundabout. Be
sure to set appropriate geometry on each approach and the correct
number of circulating conflicting lanes.
Mitigation Report
10. While in mitigation mode on intersection #6, click the Print All button to
generate the detailed capacity analysis reports for each option to use
as a comparison.

8 Signal Timing Optimization
Vistro provides you two levels of optimization:

Local Optimization
Network Optimization
Local and Network Optimization can be applied to any signalized
intersection in your network that is designated as Coordination Type =
Coordinated. The optimization can then be applied to any Actuation Type
(Fixed, Semi-Actuated, Fully Actuated).
8.1 Local Optimization

Intersections can be optimized at the local level, meaning that no
coordination is taken into account. At the local level, you can optimize for
the following:
1. Split or
2. Split and Cycle Time
To utilize the local optimization, intersections to be optimized must have
the following:
Signal timing data inputs, including signal group designations and
sequence
"Coordination Type = Coordinated"
Then, you can optimize each intersection individually or all intersections in
your network at one time (with no interaction between intersections).
8.1.1 Local Optimization for a Single Intersection
To optimize for Splits only:
1. In the Traffic Control table, click on the button to access the

Local Optimization Splits dialog:

2. Select the desired Objective Function.
3. Click OK.
To optimize for Splits and Cycle Time:
1. Click on the button to access the Local Optimization Splits and

Cycle Time dialog:

3. Set the boundaries for the Cycle Time optimization.
4. Click OK.
8.1.2 Local Optimization for All Intersections
To optimize all intersections in the network using the Local Optimization:

1. Go to the Optimization > Local Optimization in the Menu Bar to
access the Local Optimization Splits dialog for all intersections:

3. Define the Cycle Optimization Settings.
4. Click Save Settings to save settings without optimizing or Optimize All
Intersections to complete the local optimization for all intersections.

8.2 Activity Lesson 11: Local Optimization
In this lesson we will perform local signal timing optimization for a single
intersection and local network-wide optimization.
Open File
Example11_localopt.vistro
Select Intersection
2. Select and zoom in on intersection #3.
3. Turn on the LOS graphical display.
Run Single Intersection Local Optimization

4. Go to the Traffic Control table and scroll to the bottom of the table so
you can see the Movement, Approach, & Intersection Results sub-
table.
5. Click on the button to access the Local Optimization Splits dialog.

6. Choose V/C Balancing for the objective function and review results.
7. Repeat the local optimization with the Minimize Critical Movement
Delay option for the objective function. Compare the results.
Run Network-Wide Local Optimization

8. Zoom out to see entire network. Note intersection LOS.
9. Go to Optimization > Local Optimization.
10. Choose V/C balancing for the objective function and Split and Cycle
Time Optimization for the type. Set the lower cycle bound to 90
seconds and the upper bound to 180 seconds.
11. Click the Optimize All Intersections button to perform a local

optimization for all intersections. Note changes in the LOS.

8.3 Network Optimization
Vistro also provides robust Network Optimization. In contrast to the local
optimization (although it can also be carried out for all intersections),
Network Optimization considers the interaction between signalized
intersections. These interactions cannot be analyzed with HCM methods,
but are modeled by the means of a platoon dispersion model that models
platoons travelling through the network. The platoon dispersion model
provides vehicle delay and number of stops, considering the signal plans
at included intersections as well as their relative position in time and space
(distances between intersections and signal offsets).
The objective of the optimization is to adapt the signal timing in such a
way that vehicles can pass several consecutive signal controls on green.
In Vistro, Network Optimization will optimize all signals that belong to one
Signal Coordination Group, regardless of whether they are aligned linearly
or in a network context.
Good coordination requires the Signal Controllers to either have the same
cycle times or that the cycle times are in a ratio 2:1 (if user option "Allow
Half Cycles" is checked). If this is not true for all Signal Controllers in one
Signal Coordination Group (and if the option Cycle Time Optimization is
not checked), Network Optimization will not be carried out for this Signal
Coordination Group. In this case, you will receive detailed information in
the "error.txt" file that can be opened from the Progress Monitor.
Furthermore, coordination is most effective when the signals are located
close to each other. As the distance between signals increases, the
platoon dissipates. If the signals are spaced too far from each other, the
platoon will dissolve entirely from one signal to another. This results in
arrivals that are virtually uniformly distributed and thus, the wait time
cannot be influenced through the choice of the offset and other timing
parameters. Therefore, optimizing all signal controllers in the network at
one time may not be effective. Instead, it may be more beneficial to use
the distant intersections as “natural” boundaries for the Signal
Coordination Group definitions, which allow those intersections to be
optimized together.
8.4 Network Optimization Signal Coordination Groups

Signal Coordination Groups define groups of Signal Controllers to be
optimized collectively. Signal Controllers (in most cases there is a 1:1
relation between Signal Controller and intersection) that belong to the
same Signal Coordination Group are coordinated. In other words, in the
traffic model that is used for the calculation of the objective function (delay

and number of stops), platoons are considered that travel between any
two intersections that belong to the same Signal Coordination Group.
Signal Coordination Groups are optimized one by one, i.e. signalized
intersections that belong to other or no Signal Coordination Group are not
optimized in that run. Therefore it is in most cases important that
neighboring signalized intersections belong to the same Signal
Coordination Group.
To define Signal Coordination Groups, do the following:
1. Go to Menu Optimization > Coordination Groups to bring up the
Coordination Groups dialog:
2. Click on the button to add a new Coordination Group.

3. Click in the Name cell to enter or edit a Coordination Group Name.
4. To delete a Coordination Group, highlight the Number and click on the
.
5. Click on OK to exit.
6. In the Traffic Control Workflow tab, define the Signal Coordination
Group for each intersection by selecting the desired Coordination
Group from the drop-down menu.
By default, Signal Controllers are not assigned to any signal coordination
group and are not optimized in the context of network optimization.
8.5 Network Optimization Routes

Vistro provides the ability to define Optimization Routes. These Routes
allow you to:
View time-space diagrams to see optimization results;

“Weight” Routes in relation to each other to prioritize specific
Routes when optimizing the network.
They can be defined in the network editor.
1. Select the Route button from the Toolbar.

2. Left click on the first intersection to start the Route.
3. Continue clicking on adjacent intersections to define the Route. As
you create the route, you will see the route highlighted in green on the
network with arrows pointing in the direction of the Route travel, as
shown in the following figure.
4. To delete the last selected intersection, use the Backspace key on
your keyboard.
5. Double click to complete the Route.
6. In the Network Optimization Workflow Tab, define a Name and Weight
for the Route.

8.6 Network Optimization Setup
To utilize the Network Optimization, intersections to be optimized must
have the following:
Signal timing data inputs, including signal group designations and
sequence
"Coordination Type = Coordinated"
In addition, you must also:
Define Coordination Groups; and
Define Routes and assign Weights to them.
These are described in the subsections below. Once this is set up, you
can then set up and run the Network Optimization by following these
steps:
1. Go to the Optimization > Network Optimization in the Menu Bar to
access the Network Optimization Dialog:
2. Define the Objective Function. The optimization algorithm aims to

minimize the objective function. The objective function is the weighted

sum of (a) total vehicle delay (hours) and (b) the number intersections
where a vehicle has to stop over all vehicles. The user can define the
weights for the two factors.
3. Select the Optimization Method (discussed in next section)
4. Define whether to Optimize Split and/or Cycle Time and cycle
boundary conditions.
5. Specify the use of Offset Optimization and the precision.
6. Specify if lead/lag phasing may be optimized.
7. Click on Run Optimization.
You can then view the results in the time-space diagram under the
Optimization Workflow.
8.7 Network Optimization Methods

Vistro provides two Network Optimization algorithm options:
Genetic
Hill Climbing
In addition, a platoon dispersion model is used, as indicated previously.
These two algorithms are very different and will produce varying results.
The Objective Function and Settings for each are described below
followed by the details of the platoon dispersion model.
8.7.1 Genetic Algorithm Network Optimization
Genetic Algorithm is the default optimization method for network

optimization in Vistro. Genetic optimization is a method that is based on
the idea of parents and children. We define a “population size” (or number
of initial starting solutions) to evaluate. Then, in the first iteration, these
solutions are evaluated according to the objective function by calculating
the performance index.
The best solution is carried forward to the next iteration and other
solutions are combined to create a new set of solutions, akin to parents
producing children. This process continues until either the improvement
criteria are met or the maximum number of iterations has been completed.
The parameters here allow you to define how extensive you want to run
the genetic optimization. The higher number of iterations, larger population
size, and higher number of generations without improvement will produce
a more robust optimization solution; however, this also will require
additional computational power and time.

Genetic Algorithm Fundamental Workflow
Genetic Network Optimization Settings
Maximum Number of Iterations

Maximum Number of Iterations specifies how many iterations (or:
generations) there can be if no other termination criterion is met. In
general, the higher Maximum Number of Iterations is, the longer the
optimization may take. However, this value should not be too low, as

Maximum Number of Iterations should not be the termination criterion
(because there is still improvement, otherwise the termination criterion
Number of Generations without Improvement would be met; in other
words: there is still potential for improvement).
Population Size
Population Size specifies the number of individuals (network wide signal
plans) there is per generation. Generally, the higher this number is, the
better the chances to find the optimum. The computation time can be up to
proportional to the population size (if Maximum Number of Iterations is the
relevant termination criterion).
Number of Generations without Improvement

Number of Generations without Improvement specifies after how many
generations with no improvement (or: less than Minimum Improvement,
see next section) the optimization terminates.
Minimum Improvement
Minimum Improvement specifies how much better the solution has to be to
be considered better. Example: if this is 1%, then an improvement of 0.5%
will not be considered as an improvement.
8.7.2 Hill Climbing Network Optimization
The Hill Climbing Method is another optimization method available in

Vistro. Here, we define an initial number of starting solutions to evaluate
(in this case, a solution is a set of timing plans). These starting solutions
are generated randomly and include the current solution coded in the
network. The Hill Climbing method then iteratively optimizes the solutions
until it reaches less desirable results. When no improvement can be made,
the optimization stops with the last best result. The Hill Climb method uses
the same Objective Function as the Genetic Algorithm.

Number of Starting Solutions
The user can define how many starting solutions are used. The starting
solutions are generated randomly. The current solution is always included
in the set of starting solutions. The final solution is the best of all optimized
solutions.
8.8 Activity Lesson 12: Network Optimization

In this lesson we will perform network optimization using both the Hill
Climb and Genetic methods.
Open File
Example12_networkopt.vistro
Define Coordination Groups

2. Go to Optimization > Coordination Groups.
3. Create two groups. Name group #1 “99W” and group #2 “T-S”.
4. In the Traffic Control table assign the three 99W signalized
intersections to group #1. Set all Tualatin-Sherwood intersections
(east-west corridor) to group #2.
Add Optimization Routes

5. Add 4 optimization routes, one for each direction of the two corridors
as follows:
Route 1: “Hwy 99W NB” (SW to NE)
Route 2: “Hwy 99W SB” (NE to SW)
Route 3: “Tualatin-Sherwood WB”
Route 4: “Tualatin-Sherwood EB”
6. In the Network Optimization tab, set the route weight to “2” for routes
one and two. Leave routes three and four at “1”.
7. Set the Max Signal Time to 240 seconds.
8. Note the Time-Space diagram for each route. Try changing the view to
see the arterial bands. You can also manually adjust the offset values
by dragging the band in the time-space diagram.
Run Hill Climb Optimization

9. Note intersection LOS and the arterial band in the time-space diagram

of the optimization routes before running optimization.
10. Click the Network Optimization button.
11. Use the default objective function.
12. Select the Hill Climbing Method with the Number of Starting Solutions
set at 10.
13. Select All Coordination Groups
14. Check Optimize Split and Cycle Time. Set the lower cycle bound to 90
seconds and the upper bound to 180 seconds. Do not allow half
cycles.
15. Use Offset Optimization with a precision of 1s.
16. Allow Lead/Leg Optimization.
17. Click Run Optimization.
Review Results
18. Review the time-space diagrams for each optimization route. Note any
changes to the cycle lengths.
Run Genetic Optimization

19. Now let’s run the genetic optimization method. Click the Network
Optimization button.
20. Again, use the default object function.
21. Select the Genetic Method. Leave all genetic parameters as default,
except increase the population size to 25.
22. Leave all other optimization parameters as setup for the Hill Climb
exercise.

Review Results
23. When the optimization routine completes, review the chart in the
Progress window and observe how the solution changes through the
iterations.
24. Generate the Vistro Report and view the Time-Space diagram figures.

9 Vistro External File Integration
Vistro provides file integration with some external file formats to allow you
to utilize information already produced with other software products. The
ability to import / export external file formats is provided for the following:
Transoft Solutions OTISS

®
Trafficware Synchro
PTV Abstract Network Model (ANM)
Regional Model, Navigational Network and GIS data (via PTV Visum)
9.1 Transoft OTISS

Vistro provides import and export functionality for the Transoft Online
Traffic Impact Study Software (OTISS). This allows you to utilize the full
power of OTISS to produce your trip generation for all of your zones and
use the OTISS results to populate the Trip Generation table in Vistro.
The OTISS import / export is accessible from the File > Import or File >
Export menu items as well as from the icons in the upper right hand
corner of the Trip Generation workflow panel table.
1. To use OTISS, first add your desired Zones to your Vistro Network.
You can provide your Zone Name to help you identify the Zone.
2. Once this is set up, you then export the Vistro file to OTISS. Then you
use your OTISS online subscription to import the Vistro file. In OTISS,
you will see your Vistro project file and your Zones will be listed there.
3. Complete your trip generation calculations in OTISS. When this is
complete, export the file OTISS file to Vistro.
4. Back in Vistro, import the OTISS file. The data from OTISS now
populates your Trip Generation table.
9.2 Trafficware Synchro®

® ®
Vistro supports import from Synchro , via the Synchro Universal Traffic
®
Data Format (UTDF) CSV (*.csv) file format for Synchro Versions 7 & 8.
1. Select menu File > Import > Synchro®.
2. In the resulting dialog, select a Synchro® combined data (*.csv) file
and select Open.

®
Vistro will import all elements from the Synchro UTDF CSV file, including
network geometry, volumes, turning movements, vehicle compositions,
intersection control, and signal timing.
®
Vistro files may also be exported to Synchro by writing a combined data
®
file. This CSV file can then be opened in Synchro .
®
1. Select menu File > Import > Synchro .
®
2. In the resulting dialog, select a Synchro combined data (*.csv) file
and select Open.
NOTE: This feature does not support the import of data generated
®
with Synchro version 6 or below.
9.3 PTV Abstract Network Model (ANM)

The PTV Abstract Network Model (ANM) is an XML file format that allows
access to both Visum and Vissim through a common data interchange
format. This format allows other traffic planning and engineering software
to interface with the Vision Traffic Suite, including Vistro.
Vistro also supports export to the ANM format for expanded interchange
capabilities with external software products.
9.4 Regional Model, Navigational Network, & GIS Data

Through the integration with PTV Visum (described in the next section),
Vistro is able to utilize navigational network data and other GIS data as a
network starting point or building block for your Vistro analysis. In addition,
this interface also allows you to import data from any external regional
modeling platform and utilize that data in Vistro.

10 The Complete Vision Traffic Suite
PTV Vistro is part of the PTV Vision Traffic Suite, which also includes
Visum (strategic planning) and Vissim (microsimulation). The Vision Traffic
Suite is an integrated suite of these software products that support data
exchange between the various products, allowing you to incorporate
different levels of analysis into your applications.
10.1 PTV Visum

Vistro supports import from and export to Visum. Visum is PTV’s travel
demand modeling software platform. Vistro and Visum share a common
data model, making the transfer of data between them seamless. Visum is
also a GIS platform, allowing import of GIS data, navigation networks, and
regional models from other software packages. Once in Visum, this data
can easily be imported into Vistro.
10.1.1 Import from Visum
1. Select menu File > Import > Visum.

2. Select a Visum version (*.ver) or network (*.net) file and click Open.
10.1.2 Export to Visum
1. Select menu File > Export > Visum.

2. Define a file name and select Save.
This will create a Visum version (*.ver) file.
3. Open the file directly in Visum.
10.2 Activity Lesson 13: Visum Import

In this lesson we will import a Visum version file into Vistro.
Import Visum Version File

1. Open Visum.
2. Go to File > Open Version…. Select the Version file “…\Vistro
Training\Example13\ Example13_VisumImport.ver.
3. Look at the data for the intersections / nodes in the network.
4. Open new instance of Vistro.

5. Go to File > Import > Visum. Select the Version file “…\Vistro
Training\Example13\ Example13_VisumImport.ver.
6. Review imported network and compare to the Visum network.
10.3 PTV Vissim

Vistro is integrated with Vissim on two levels:
Preview in Vissim
Export to Vissim
10.3.1 Preview in Vissim
Vistro provides a quick simulation preview through the Vissim Previewer

(Simulation > Preview in Vissim).
This will start a visual view of the current network conditions in a Vissim
viewer. No edits or parameters can be changed but you are able to see a
visual representation of the traffic conditions.
If a full simulation analysis is needed, you would export the Vistro file to
Vissim (as described below). In Vissim, you would calibrate your model,
and run your multiple runs to obtain full simulation analysis results.
10.3.2 Export to Vissim
A microsimulation analysis may be required or desired when the

conditions being analyzed exceed the limitations of deterministic
methodologies, such as oversaturated conditions, complex / unique
designs, or dynamic conditions (e.g., transit signal priority, pre-emption,
ITS). PTV Vissim provides this microscopic traffic and transit simulation,
provides full simulation output, and provides 3D visualization of the traffic
operations.
Vistro files can be exported to Vissim for full simulation analysis. Upon
exporting the file, an Abstract Network Model (ANM) file and Ring Barrier
Control (RBC) files are created. These files are then imported directly into
Vissim and are ready for full simulation.
You can export your Vistro network to Vissim through the following:
1. Select File > Export > Vissim (ANM).
2. Define a file name and select Save.
This will create an ANM (*.anm) file and associated RBC (*.rbc) files

that can subsequently be imported into Vissim.
3. Import the file in Vissim.
Modifications of the Vistro network can also be added later to a network
previously exported and edited in Vissim. Only the parts affected by the
Vistro modifications will be adjusted in the Vissim network using the
Adaptive Import functionality in Vissim.
10.4 Activity Lesson 15: VISSIM Preview & Export

In this lesson we will preview a Vistro network in Vissim with Vistro’s Quick
Simulation and then also cover how to export the model to Vissim
Open File
Example13_Vissimexport.vistro.
Vissim Previewer
2. Go to Simulation > Preview in Vissim. This will launch a Vissim
previewer along with the exported network, volumes, routing, and
timing in Vissim. This previews the exported network and a basic
visualization of the traffic operations.
3. Stop preview by closing the Vissim window.
Note: the Vissim preview from Vistro is a non-calibrated network. It is
important to always calibrate microsimulation models before recording
results or presenting visualization. It is not possible to generate output
from the Vissim Preview.
Export to Vissim
1. Go to File > Export > Vissim.
2. Save the file as Vistro.anm.
3. In Vissim, go to File > Import > ANM. Then select the Vistro.anm file
to import in to Vissim.
4. Review the network structure and signal timing parameters.

11 Help Resources
Documentation
The primary source of information regarding Vistro is the user manual
accessible from the Help > Online Help menu. A PDF copy of the user
manual can be found in the Doc folder of the installation directory:
…\Program Files\PTV_Vision\VISTRO10\Doc
The Doc folder contains the following documents:
Service pack download information - (DownloadServicePacks.txt)
End user license agreement - (License.txt)
CodeMeter dongle manual - (Overview_CodeMeter.pdf)
Release notes – (ReleaseNotes_VISTRO_ENG.pdf)
User manual – (UserManual_VISTRO10.pdf)
Vistro installation manual – (Vistro_Installation.pdf)
Example Files
The Vistro installation directory includes an examples folder that contains
network files demonstrating signal optimization and a traffic impact
analysis project.
…\Program Files\PTV_Vision\VISTRO10\Examples
Technical Support Questions

Any technical support questions may be sent to
support.us@ptvgroup.com. Generally responses to all support questions
will be provided within 1 to 2 business days. Annual software maintenance
must be current in order to receive technical support.
Online User Forum

There is a Vistro forum on the LinkedIn social media website. This is a
place where users and PTV staff can share ideas, pose questions, and
discuss topics relative to Vistro. The forum can be found by searching for
“PTV Vistro” under Groups on www.linkedin.com or go directly to:
http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Vistro-Forum-4816492

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Printed April 2013

1 Vistro Introduction ...............................................................................5

2 Getting Started .....................................................................................6

3 Base Model Setup ............................................................................. 13

4 Evaluation and Reports.................................................................... 46

5 Evaluating Future Conditions ......................................................... 53

6 Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) ........................................................... 55

7 Mitigation Analysis ........................................................................... 67

8 Signal Timing Optimization ............................................................. 70

9 Vistro External File Integration ....................................................... 83

10 The Complete Vision Traffic Suite .................................................. 85

11 Help Resources ................................................................................. 88

1.1 Use Cases

Signal Systems Operations and Re-Timing Studies

Traffic Impact Analyses (TIA)

Transportation Master Plans

5 © PTV Group 2013

2.1 Interface Overview

Window Interface Descriptions

Shows the Program Title, Version, Service Pack number, and

Displays the Scale Ratio (current scale ratio

© PTV Group 2013 6

Insert an Intersection into the network. Selecting the most

Signal Insert a signalized intersection into the network.

Insert a two-way stop controlled intersection into the network.

All-way Stop Insert an all-way stop controlled intersection in the network.

Roundabout Insert a roundabout intersection into the network.

Insert intersections into the network that do not require

7 © PTV Group 2013

Base Network Workflow Tabs

Input data for the intersection number, name, control

Input expanded data for turning movement volumes,

Input traffic control information for specific traffic

© PTV Group 2013 8

Input trip generation characteristics for each Zone

Input the trip distribution to and from Zones and

Allocate path shares for each path created between

Network Define optimization routes, view time-space

Evaluate potential mitigation measures and

Intersection turning movement volumes can be

Show Final Final Base volumes by turning movement are

9 © PTV Group 2013

Other volumes by turning movement are displayed at

Show Future Future Total volumes by turning movement are

Network Window Shortcuts

Network Task Shortcut Details

© PTV Group 2013 10

2.2 File Structure

11 © PTV Group 2013

© PTV Group 2013 12

This chapter covers the process involved with setting up a project

3.1 Network Setup

Creating a New File

13 © PTV Group 2013

Bing™ Maps and Satellite Imagery

Background Image Files

3.3 Building the Network

Add your Intersections

© PTV Group 2013 14

Inserting Intersections Using the Context Menu

2. Select the required intersection by left clicking the list of available