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Agent Based Modeling in Transportation
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:15:37
Abstract
This course provides an introduction to agent-based modeling in transportation. The lectures and exercises offer an opportunity to learn about agent-based simulation models' current methodology, focusing on MATSim, how agent-based models are set up, and perform a practical case study by working in groups.
Objective
At the end of the course, the students should: - have an understanding of agent-based modeling - have an understanding of MATSim - have an understanding of the process needed to set up an agent-based study - have practical experience of using MATSim to perform transportation studies
Content
This course provides an introduction to agent-based models for transportation policy analysis. Four essential topics are covered: 1) Introduction of agent-based modeling and its comparison to the traditional state of practice modeling 2) Introduction of MATSim, an open-source agent-based model, developed at ETH Zurich and TU Berlin, and its various parts 3) Setting up an agent-based model simulation, where different statistical methods used in the process will be introduced and explained. Here the open-source eqasim framework used at ETH Zurich to set up agent-based models will be introduced 4) Conducting a transport policy study. The case study will be performed in groups and will include a paper-like report. During the course, outside lecturers will give several lectures on using MATSim in practice (i.e., SBB).
Resources
Literature
Agent-based modeling in general Bonabeau, E. (2002). Agent-based modeling: Methods and techniques for simulating human systems. Proceedings of the national academy of sciences, 99(suppl 3), 7280-7287. Helbing, D (2012) Social Self-Organization, Understanding Complex Systems, Springer, Berlin. Heppenstall, A., A. T. Crooks, L. M. See and M. Batty (2012) Agent-Based Models of Geographical Systems, Springer, Dordrecht. MATSim Horni, A., K. Nagel and K.W. Axhausen (eds.) (2016) The Multi-Agent Transport Simulation MATSim, Ubiquity, London ( http://www.matsim.org/the-book ) Additional relevant readings, primarily scientific articles, will be recommended throughout the course.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Agent Based Modeling in Transportation |
|
4 h weekly |