Skip to main content

Software solution for pedestrian simulation

VisWalk from PTV is a pedestrian simulation tool specifically designed to assist railway station operators, city planners, architects and event managers in planning and coordinating their projects. The software allows planners to optimise pedestrian flows in and outside buildings.
January 31, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
VisWalk from PTV is a pedestrian simulation tool specifically designed to assist railway station operators, city planners, architects and event managers in planning and coordinating their projects. The software allows planners to optimise pedestrian flows in and outside buildings.

With VisWalk the capacity of railway and underground stations can be calculated, optimal walking routes for travellers identified, queuing behaviour at ticket counters assessed, evacuation analysis performed and shop locations analysed. During the planning phase it is also possible to use VisWalk to optimise railway station design based on these criteria. At the click of a button, the software tool visualises the simulation in 3D.

Software solution for pedestrian simulation According to PTV product manager Dr Tobias Kretz, a leading expert in pedestrian simulation, VisWalk models pedestrian behaviour like no other simulation software. "One of the special features is dynamic routing. Pedestrians, just as vehicle drivers, usually try to arrive at their destination as quickly as possible. Often the quickest route is very similar to the shortest route. However, there are situations where this rule does not apply. The simplest of which is when a large group of pedestrians is doing a u-turn," Kretz says.

"Therefore, VisWalk includes both shortest and quickest path routing in the simulation."

Related Content

  • Parsons Brinckerhoff to design Cleveland’s pedestrian bridge
    October 6, 2014
    Parsons Brinckerhoff, in conjunction with architect Miguel Rosales, has been awarded a contract by Cuyahoga County, Ohio for the conceptual design of a pedestrian and bicycle bridge on the lakefront in Cleveland. Intended to connect Cleveland’s downtown and the lakefront, the bridge will provide convenient access for pedestrians and cyclists and create an iconic structure, symbolising the renewed vibrancy of the lakefront district. The Parsons Brinckerhoff team will develop preliminary plans, includi
  • Hard shoulder running aids uniform traffic flow and safer driving
    January 23, 2012
    David Crawford detects a market for European experience. Well-established now in at least three European countries, Hard Shoulder Running (HSR) on motorways is exciting growing interest in the US. A November 2010 Report to Congress by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), on the Efficient Use of Highway Capacity, notes the role of HSR in the European-style Active Traffic Management (ATM) strategies now being recommended for implementation in the US where, until recently, they were virtually unknown.
  • Ekin releases AI-based smart traffic system
    January 21, 2021
    X Spotter mobile and portable enforcement system provides ANPR for up to three lanes
  • ITS in Taiwan
    January 20, 2012
    In June, ITS Taiwan will host the 11th ITS Asia Pacific Forum and Exhibition. Dr. Bert J. Lim, president of the World Economics Society and a member of the local organising committee, provides an insight to ITS development in the country. Many of the thought-provoking issues he raises could be applied equally to most countries around the world. Governments need to assume a far greater leadership role, not just in ITS R&D, but also ITS deployment. In the case of Taiwan, it is time for the Ministry of Transpo