Model Visualisations

Use these interactive maps for Wellington and Porirua to see forecasted corridor changes, making regional travel patterns clear for data-driven decisions.

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About

What data are we showing?
  • Wellington City Aimsun Model (N2AM – Ngauranga to Airport Model) outputs for base year (2022) and forecast year (2033)
  • Porirua City Aimsun Model (PTM – Porirua Transport Model) outputs for base year (2033) and forecast year (2033)
  • Wellington Strategic Transport Model (WTSM) outputs for base year (2018)
What is Aimsun?
AIMSUN Next is a multi-resolution modelling platform that simulates mobility in networks of all sizes. The Wellington Transport Analytics Unit operate and maintain AIMSUN models of Wellington City, Porirua City and Hutt City. These models focus on representing traffic demand, using the AIMSUN Hybrid structure whereby large areas can be modelled with mesoscopic simulation, together with added levels of detail within areas such as Wellington CBD where microscopic simulation is required.
What is WTSM?
Wellington Strategic Transport Model (WTSM) is a 4-stage demand model that is the central tool for demanding forecasting. WTSM is calibrated to represent an average March weekday. The 24-h day is split into 4 periods:
  • AM – morning peak, 6am to 9am
  • IP – inter-peak, 9am to 3pm
  • PM – afternoon peak, 3pm to 6pm
  • ON-over night and daily total, 6pm to 6am
Walking and cycling data are only available as a 24-h aggregate (daily total).
Why do we need to visualise model outputs?
  • Raw data are complicated to process and understand
  • Files are usually too big to share with others
What tool do we use for data visualisation on maps?
We use a platform calledVista for visualising model outputs. It enables easy share of interactive visualisations with the external.
Click HERE to view the maps (Password Protected)

Mapping Visualisation

Aimsun Model

The maps present flow (vehicles) and congestion (density, measured in vehicles per kilometer) during peak hours. We can add more layers to show other model results, such as free flow speeds and delays.

The legend for congestion (density) corresponds to the level of service table below. Higher density indicates worse level of service and longer delays. Sections with level of services between A and D experience minor to moderate delays, while those between E and F typically experience significant delays.

Level of Service Density (Vehicles / Kilometre)
A 19
B 32
C 48
D 68
E 108
F >108

WTSM

Through the visualisation we make WTSM data available at two geospatial levels: WTSM-Zones and Statistical Area 2 (SA2).

WTSM-Zones are smaller and have a higher geospatial resolution.

SA2 is aggregated from the WTSM-Zones and aligns largely with suburb level.

WTSM Base Year Model

The maps present demand by orign and destination in different modes, including walking, cycling, rail, bus, light vehicles, and heavy commercial vehicles.

Besides that, we also show demand by trip purpose:

  • Home based work (Commuting) – HBW
  • Home based education – HBE
  • Home based shopping – HBS
  • Home based other – HBO
  • None home based other – NHBO
WTSM Certain Destinations Trips

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I interact with maps?

At the top left are the main interaction selectors:

Layers – Interact with the different layers set up in the visual

Filters – filtering the data, each data-set is filtered individually

Interactions – prosets for Tooltips, Geocoder, Brush and Coordinates display

Base Map – presets for the basemap

At the top right are display options for the entire visualisation:

Show Info – general information as added by the creator of the map

3D – toggle between 2d and 3d view

Draw on map

Show legend

Map layers can be toggled on or off by clicking the eye-icon symbol.

Can you use Vista for other projects?

Of course! We can use Vista for other projects. We extract data from the Aimsun model, integrate it with geospatial information, and upload the data (in JSON, GeoJSON or CSV format) to Vista for visualisation. We can use this tool for any projects as long as they contain geospatial data.

Do you use other tools for mapping and data visualisation?

Yes, we also use ArcGIS Online for mapping visualisation, and PowerBI for trend analysis and data visualisation. While ArcGIS Online mapping layers are currently used internally, we’ve published a PowerBI dashboard on our websiteTraffic Data Portal .