In Multiresolution Modeling (MRM), the analyst simultaneously assesses traffic performance at multiple resolutions: macroscopic, mesoscopic, and microscopic. MRM’s relevance increases with each passing year due to evolving computer capabilities, traffic analysis tool capabilities, and transportation system complexities. TRB hosted a webinar on Monday, July 25, 2022 that summarized recent advancements and next steps to advance the practice of MRM. The first presentation discussed outcomes from a recent MRM project sponsored by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and supported by the Traffic Analysis and Simulation Pooled Fund Study. The project published three reports: a state-of-practice and gap analysis report, a case studies report, and a guidebook. The second presentation discussed how the Texas A&M Transportation Institute has applied the MRM methodology in numerous transportation studies. Case studies from multiple cities in Texas will show how MRM is applied to operational planning as well as theoretical research. A third presentation discussed MRM at a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). It summarized lessons learned from various model development and application efforts from Macro with the Atlanta Regional activity-based travel demand forecasting model, to Meso with the Second Strategic Highway Research Program's (SHRP2) integration of Atlanta's activity-based and dynamic traffic assignment models, and then to Micro with a traffic circulation study linking Atlanta’s regional transportation planning model with microscopic traffic simulation.

This webinar was sponsored by the TRB Standing Technical Committee on Traffic Simulation.

The slides and recording are available.

Webinar agenda and presenters

• FHWA MRM project outcomes - Mohammed Hadi, Florida International University
• MRM in Texas - Jeff Shelton, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
• MRM at the Atlanta Regional Commission - Guy Rousseau, Atlanta Regional Commission
• Question and answer session moderated by David Hale, Leidos, Inc.

The first 60 minutes of the webinar were for presentations and the final 30 minutes were reserved for audience questions.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this webinar, participants can:

• Evaluate appropriate uses of MRM based on knowledge from real-world applications
• Contribute to future MRM research and development

American Institute of Certified Planners Certification Maintenance Credits

This webinar was approved by the American Planning Association (APA) for 1.5 Certification Maintenance (CM) Credits. CM credits provide continuing education opportunities for AICP Certified Planners to continue their professional skills and knowledge. To receive CM credits, Certified Planners should visit the TRB event webpage on American Planning Association and register their participation. If you have problems reporting your CM credits or have general questions about the CM program, please contact the APA.