FAQs about PTV Vissim

PTV Vissim delivers best in class high-fidelity microscopic traffic simulation for intersections and roundabouts using the psycho-physical Wiedemann car-following model and realistic lane-changing; accuracy ultimately depends on sound geometry, demand inputs, and calibration with field data. For unsignalized movements and roundabouts, conflict areas (and, where needed, priority rules) capture right-of-way and gap acceptance with fine control of attributes; for signalized junctions, PTV Vissim supports fixed-time control and integrates with a variety leading controllers such as SCATS, SCOOT and EOS for operational realism. Multimodal behavior at crossings and entries is handled within one network, and PTV Viswalk adds advanced pedestrian dynamics when required. For network consistency and faster setup especially at complex roundabouts PTV Visum → PTV Vissim (ANM) exchange transfers key attributes and turning definitions from planning to operations.

Yes. PTV Vissim supports autonomous vehicle (AV) simulation and ADAS testing via a dedicated behavior model for automated driving, consisting of an Advanced Cruise Control (ACC) algorithm for longitudinal control and an Automatic Lane Change (ALC) algorithm for lateral control. It allows mixed fleets of human-driven Wiedemann vehicles alongside ACC/ALC-equipped vehicles to reflect different levels of automation as well as platooning. You can tune a variety of driving parameters (e.g., headways, lane-change logic) to reflect different styles of automated driving and couple PTV Vissim as closed-loop test environment with external controllers or driving simulators using add-on interfaces. 

Different from a scenario-based approach, there is no need to script individual maneuvers as the intelligent actors of the microscopic traffic simulation make independent decisions and interact with each other, the traffic infrastructure and the system under test. You can simply set up large scale traffic scenes and let scenarios evolve dynamically from the simulation. A detection of critical incidents allows to identify safety-critical scenarios and to export them later on in OpenSCENARIO files for scenario mining and re-simulation.

In PTV Vissim, non-motorized users are modeled natively within a multimodal microscopic traffic simulation. Cyclists and micromobility can be defined as vehicle types (including non-lane-based behavior), while pedestrians are simulated with PTV Viswalk (Social Force model) fully integrated into PTV Vissim. Interactions at crossings use conflict areas, priority rules, pedestrian signal groups, and detectors to capture yielding and signalized crosswalk behavior. For city workflows, ANM helps transfer demand and geometry so bike/ped flows align with planning models.

PTV Vissim supports corridor-level highway planning by testing merges, weaves, lane drops, and interchange layouts under realistic microscopic traffic simulation. It includes built-in ramp metering (ALINEA) to assess mainline occupancy, on-ramp release rates, and queue spillback, plus managed lanes/HOV/toll decision models to study lane choice, access control, and performance benefits. 

Planners quantify bottlenecks and congestion hotspots with KPIs like queue length, delay, and travel times to compare alternatives and phasing. For network consistency, ANM transfers demand and turning movements for detailed microsimulation, and PTV Vissim Kernel enables batch scenario runs across demand/control strategies.

PTV Vissim lets you test bus/tram operations and transit signal priority in a realistic, microscopic model so you can cut delay, stabilize headways, and improve punctuality before changes hit the street. You can model stops and dwell times via distributions or with PTV Viswalk for passenger boarding/alighting, then evaluate KPIs such as lateness, travel time and queues. 

PTV Vissim offers native signal control integration across fixed-time, actuated, and adaptive controllers. Common choices include VAP (vehicle-actuated, programmable), SCATS and SCOOT add-on modules for adaptive control, LISA+ and VS-PLUS/Siemens VA, and North-American Ring Barrier Controller logic; Econolite EOS is embedded in PTV Vissim for ring-barrier operation with real controller parameters. Detectors, transit priority, and external controller APIs enable hardware-/software-in-the-loop testing and realistic coordination ideal when evaluating intersection timing plans in PTV Vissim. The signal control logic can access vehicle-based information to test prioritization of e.g. public transport of first responder vehicles under use of V2I / V-ITS communication.

In PTV Vissim, smart (adaptive) signals are connected through controller types and interfaces that mirror field operation: fixed-time/actuated logic inside PTV Vissim, adaptive controllers via add-ons like SCATS and SCOOT, the embedded Econolite EOS virtual controller for ring-barrier operation and transit/EV priority, and an external controller interface (DLL/EXE) for vendor or custom logic. 

Detectors and signal groups map to controller inputs/outputs so timing, coordination, and priority are evaluated in closed loop with the microsimulation. The signal control logic can access vehicle-based information to test priotization of e.g. public transport of first responder vehicles under use of V2I / V-ITS communication.

Modern traffic simulation tools follow a tight loop: they ingest network and control data from authoritative sources (e.g., planning exports or roadway exchange formats), calibrate and validate the model against measured counts, travel times, and delays. A variety of parameters allows for the accurate representation of the local driving conditions (e.g. acceleration behavior, gaps between vehicles, lane change behavior etc.) for different regions across the globe. PTV Vissim allow to then run candidate scenarios for your planning alternatives and compare to the calibrated baseline of the status quo on basis on meaningful KPI for data-based decision making; some platforms also link to live feeds for online “what-if” evaluation before field deployment. 

In PTV Vissim, this is realized by importing planning subnetworks via ANM and roadway geometry via OpenDRIVE; aligning demand and operations using data collection points and travel time/delay evaluations; and, when needed, performing online scenario testing through PTV Optima.

Typical integration points include network and map import (GIS/CAD and roadway exchange formats such as OpenDRIVE); planning/DTA handoff to bring demand and controls from strategic models into operations; signal and controller interfaces for fixed-time, actuated, and adaptive logic (including hardware-/software-in-the-loop); programmatic APIs for automation; co-simulation links to driving simulators and AV stacks; data I/O for calibration/validation (counts, travel times); and headless/batch execution for large experiment sets.

In PTV Vissim, these map to OpenDRIVE and ANM imports, add-ons/interfaces for SCATS, SCOOT, embedded Econolite EOS, the External Controller API, COM/API automation, the Driving Simulator Interface, and the PTV Vissim Kernel for headless runs. The OpenDRIVE import supports referenced OpenCRG files and detected critical driving scenarios can be exported in OpenSCENARIO.

Yes. For citywide traffic modeling, use PTV Visum to build and calibrate the macroscopic network and demand (static or dynamic assignment), then export an ANM subnetwork to PTV Vissim for detailed microscopic traffic simulation where operational fidelity is required. For full-city runs, PTV Vissim supports mesoscopic and hybrid micro–meso simulation, letting you keep most links mesoscopic for scale and faster run time while switching critical corridors/junctions to microscopic detail maintaining performance on large networks. For very large projects, follow the system requirements guidance (high clock-speed CPUs and ample RAM).

PTV Visum builds and calibrates the citywide macroscopic / DTA model; you then export any corridor or area via the ANM interface to PTV Vissim for detailed microscopic (or mesoscopic / hybrid) operations testing. The ANM workflow transfers network geometry, controls, demand, and turning definitions so route choice and KPIs remain consistent between planning and microsimulation. For real-time or “what-if” operations, the combined PTV Visum ↔ PTV Vissim model can also feed PTV Optima.

CPU: Favor high-clock multi-core processors; simulation speed scales with network size, signal logic, and number of processor cores.
RAM: Minimum 4 GB; use 16–32 GB+ for large models, dynamic assignment, or pedestrian-heavy scenarios. 
GPU (3D only): Use a card supporting OpenGL 3.0 (keep drivers current) to ensure smooth 3D visualization; not all projects require 3D. 
Scaling options: For huge city networks, consider mesoscopic/hybrid runs to reduce compute time, and PTV Vissim Kernel (Windows/Linux) for headless batch execution. 

In addition, PTV Hub allows for cloud-based computation of PTV Vissim models on high performance machines, even allowing to simulate all instances of a multi run in parallel on separate machines for faster results.

You can also detailed information here.

You can first build a calibrated baseline and then use standard KPIs like travel time, delay, and queue length to locate and rank bottlenecks on links and at junctions. Root-cause analysis focuses on where delay accumulates (e.g., merges, short turn bays, or specific signal phases). Mitigation is tested in simulation by comparing a baseline against candidate strategies such as signal retiming or adaptive control, ramp metering, lane-use and access changes, or minor geometric adjustments. Results are evaluated over consistent time intervals and averaged across multiple runs to reduce randomness; once a strategy meets targets, operators can connect the calibrated model to live data for real-time “what-if” checks before field rollout.

In PTV Vissim, congestion hotspots are found by measuring queue length, travel time, and delay at critical links and junctions, then testing fixes in a calibrated microscopic traffic simulation. Use Queue Counters to pinpoint where queues form and grow, Travel Time Measurements for corridor performance, and Delay Measurements to quantify lost time at nodes.

Most traffic simulation platforms run a loop of data ingestion, state estimation, short-term forecasting, parallel “what-if” simulation, KPI comparison, operator decision. Live controller feeds update the network state; the engine then spawns candidate strategies (e.g., diversions, signal timing plans) and simulates them in parallel against the live baseline, surfacing the best option via dashboards and alerts. Hardware-/software-in-the-loop hooks let real controllers participate for closed-loop validation before field rollout.

ANM export from PTV Visum to PTV Vissim provides the calibrated planning/operations model; PTV Optima connects to live systems (e.g. SCATS), runs scenario simulations in parallel, and guides operators with real-time KPIs. PTV Vissim APIs (External Controller, COM) enable closed-loop tests with vendor logic.

Simulation platforms help planners communicate trade-offs by presenting side-by-side scenarios with consistent KPIs (e.g., travel time, delay, queue length) and visual evidence that non-technical audiences can grasp quickly. Short animations and 3D fly-throughs convey how changes affect operations, while structured scenario management keeps alternatives comparable and reproducible across workshops and public consultations.

PTV Vissim supports scenario management to organize and compare alternatives in one project; it records presentation-ready videos and ANI animations in both 2D and 3D (including static 3D context models); and it reports standard KPIs such as travel time, delay, and network performance to underpin the story with numbers. For multimodal projects, PTV Viswalk adds pedestrian simulation directly within the same environment, so crossings, platforms, and shared spaces can be shown alongside vehicle operations.

The results of PTV Vissim simulations can be displayed in an easy to use way through a web browser in Dashboards in PTV Hub for selected users or even for open sharing with the public. Comments can be used to collect and structure feedback.

PTV Vissim couples rigorous microscopic, multimodal modelling (vehicles, public transport and via PTV Viswalk pedestrians) with decision-grade evaluations, making it well suited to operational design and policy testing. It connects to real signal control through native fixed/actuated logic and certified add-ons such as SCATS and SCOOT, enabling closed-loop verification of timing strategies. It integrates automated driving with dedicated behavior models and reflects state of the art traffic technologies like V2I communication/ C-ITS. It has a variety of interfaces and the possibility for scripting to allow for high flexibility and advanced automation. 

For city projects, mesoscopic and hybrid micro–meso modes deliver scale and runtime efficiency, while the PTV Visum → PTV Vissim (ANM) workflow streamlines planning-to-operations without rebuilding networks. PTV Vissim has proven its performance and accuracy in traffic engineering projects around the world for decades.

PTV Vissim is often selected for road network analysis because it combines microscopic, multimodal traffic simulation with mesoscopic and hybrid modes, allowing city-scale studies while preserving junction-level detail where decisions are made. Its signal control integration is unusually deep supporting fixed/actuated logic and certified interfaces such as SCATS and SCOOT which enables closed-loop testing of real controller behavior rather than approximations. It comes with a plurality of parameters to allow for precise calibration of the network as well as the driving behavior to local conditions. 

PTV Vissim comes with powerful internal analytic capabilities to create meaningful measurements and KPI of the traffic operation for deep analysis an decision making. It allows for a variety of exports for deeper data analytics in adjacent tools or intuitive display of analytic results in Dashboards in PTV Hub. It is a trusted industry standard with a global user base.

PTV Vissim distinguishes itself by delivering the highest accuracy of microscopic modeling with a rich set of calibration parameters and a detailed representation of transport networks. In addition, it combines microscopic fidelity with mesoscopic and hybrid modes in one engine, so agencies can run city-scale studies while preserving junction-level realism where decisions are made. It offers unusually deep signal control integration, native fixed/actuated logic plus certified SCATS and SCOOT add-ons and the embedded Econolite EOS virtual controller, enabling closed-loop testing with real controller behavior rather than approximations. The platform is multimodal (vehicles, public transport and, via PTV Viswalk, pedestrians) and is - besides traffic engineering -  widely used in automotive/ADAS workflows for mixed-traffic and closed-loop testing.

PTV Vissim operationalizes land-use scenarios by translating planning assumptions into testable traffic operations. Calibrated networks and demand are brought into PTV Vissim (e.g., via ANM import), then scenario management keeps alternatives comparable while you vary network supply, demand profiles, or policies. 

Route choice and temporal effects are captured with dynamic assignment, and large study areas remain tractable through mesoscopic or hybrid micro–meso runs that combine city coverage with junction-level detail. Programmatic control (COM/API) supports batch experiments and reproducible studies. Together, these capabilities let agencies trace how land-use changes propagate to corridor operations and performance KPIs before decisions are finalized.

Recent advances center on controller-faithful digital twins, hybrid micro–meso simulation for city-scale studies, and real-time “what-if” evaluation fed by live signal and sensor data as well as reflection of modern traffic technologies like V2I / C-ITS communication and automated driving. These let agencies test strategies with credible timings and KPIs before deployment.

In PTV Vissim, the 2025 release strengthens large-scale hybrid simulation, adds deeper controller integration (incl. SCATS/SCOOT and embedded EOS), connects to PTV Hub for cloud-enabled workflows, and pairs with PTV Optima for real-time scenario testing; AV/ADAS workflows are improved through enhanced automated-driving behavior and co-simulation options.

Organizations can run PTV Vissim entirely on-premise using single-user or floating/network licenses. Floating licenses are hosted on a license server and can allow license borrowing if enabled. License properties (e.g., usage type, number of seats, and time limit where applicable) are defined per contract; pricing is quote-based. PTV Vissim is available in different configuration (e.g. PTV Vissim Junction or PTV Vissim advances) to accommodate a wide range of user needs with a different selection of add-on modules and features at different price points.

PTV Vissim is available as a subscription linked to PTV Hub. You consume PTV Vissim seats via your PTV Hub account and manage users in the Licenses app. This option adds cloud collaboration (workspaces, model management, dashboards and commenting) on top of the desktop license.

PTV Vissim offers three commercial license modes, chosen by access model and concurrency:

1. Single-user (soft container): One named workstation activates the PTV Vissim seat locally. Best for individual users or secure/isolated machines. Managed in the in-product License Management window; no concurrent sharing. Supports borrowing when enabled.
2. Floating/Network (on-premise): A license server (via PTV License Manager) hosts a pool of concurrent seats for PTV Vissim on the local network. Users “check out” seats dynamically; borrowing and offline use can be configured.
3. PTV Hub subscription (cloud-connected): A cloud-based concurrent seat pool for PTV Vissim managed in the PTV Hub Licenses app. Users don’t need to be on the same network; sign-in grants access, with borrowing/offline options.

The value of PTV Vissim comes from reducing delivery risk and improving operational outcomes before changes reach the street. Its microscopic engine replicates real driver, transit and pedestrian behavior and connects directly to controller logic including SCATS, SCOOT, and the embedded Econolite EOS virtual controller so signal plans, priority strategies and policies are verified in closed loop rather than trial-and-error in the field. PTV Vissim delivers the highest accuracy for the replication of real-world operations (status quo) as well as to predict the capacity and performance of planning alternatives. This fidelity produces defensible KPIs for business cases and data-driven decisions, shortens retiming cycles and project iterations.

At city scale, PTV Vissim offers mesoscopic and hybrid micro–meso simulation to keep runtimes manageable while reserving microscopic detail for critical corridors. Combined with PTV Visum via the ANM interface, teams maintain consistency from planning to operations and avoid rebuilding models—another driver of total cost of ownership savings.

The platform’s ROI is reinforced by proven deployments and by a mature enablement ecosystem. Documented success stories show measurable congestion and reliability improvements; formal PTV Trainings accelerate team proficiency; regular releases (e.g., the 2025 update) add capability; and PTV Hub streamlines license management, collaboration, and optional cloud compute for faster scenario throughput. Together, these reduce rework and support continuous improvement across the asset lifecycle.

Various states, agencies etc. around the world list PTV Vissim as a trusted tool offer country- or region specific modelling guidelines. It is an industry-standard software with a plurality of consultancies available to work on PTV Vissim projects.

You can use PTV Visum when you need citywide, policy-oriented analysis: macroscopic network and demand modeling, corridor and public transport planning, and dynamic traffic assignment (DTA/SBA) to evaluate strategies at scale. PTV Visum is the domain of strategic transport planners and policy analysts building long-range scenarios and investment cases. 

You can use PTV Vissim when you need operational fidelity: microscopic traffic simulation (with mesoscopic and hybrid options) for corridors and junctions, detailed signal control and priority logic, and hardware-/software-in-the-loop testing. PTV Vissim is the tool of traffic operations engineers and microsimulation specialists validating designs and timings on basis of their performance and capacity before field deployment. 

In practice, teams often combine both: build and calibrate in PTV Visum, then export the study area via the ANM interface to PTV Vissim for detailed operational testing, maintaining consistency from planning to operations.

For academic studies, PTV Vissim (microscopic) covers traffic simulation and multimodal research needs. Access is available through PTV Academia where students can apply for a free Thesis License, and research groups can request a Research License.

In addition, we over an Academic Package with a collection of PTV software including PTV Vissim at class-room scale, intended for practical teaching and modelling in computer labs.

PTV Vissim is used worldwide to evaluate planning alternatives and make data-driven decisions on basis of meaningful performance KPI to de-risk designs and operations in traffic engineering. Recent examples include National Highways (England), where a junction upgrade modeled in PTV Vissim helped deliver a measurable reduction in congestion after opening; Marrakesh (Morocco), where a city program used PTV Vissim to cut congestion, improve public transport efficiency, and enhance pedestrian safety; the I-79 corridor (USA), where consultants combined PTV Vissim with other PTV products to support incident analysis and signal retiming with real-world data.

More customer success stories from around the globe are available in the PTV Blog.