Practices for Operational Traffic Simulation Models (2025)
Chapter: Appendix C: Typical Case Example Interview Questions
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Appendix B: List of Responding DOTs and Individual Survey Responses from DOTs
Next Chapter: Appendix D: Summary of Existing Literature and Guidance for Operational Traffic Simulation Modeling
Suggested Citation:
"Appendix C: Typical Case Example Interview Questions." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2025. Practices for Operational Traffic Simulation Models. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
doi: 10.17226/29076.
APPENDIX C
Typical Case Example Interview Questions
- When did your DOT first start using operational traffic simulation models? What led your DOT to start using operational traffic simulation models?
- For what purposes does your DOT most frequently use operational traffic simulation modeling?
- What types of specialized features (e.g., hybrid/multi-resolution modeling, dynamic traffic assignment, connected/automated vehicles analyses, external signal controllers, ITS/TSMO modeling solutions) does your DOT use most frequently? How are these features integrated into your DOT’s processes for operational traffic simulation modeling?
- What process does your DOT use to determine if operational traffic simulation modeling should be used for a specific project?
- What process does your DOT use for model scoping for operational traffic simulation models?
- How does your DOT prioritize parameters for model calibration?
- What aspects of operational traffic simulation modeling (e.g., model scoping, calibration parameters, performance metrics) does your DOT focus on the most?
- How does your DOT assess the performance of operational traffic simulation models?
- How does your DOT use animation results from operational traffic simulation models?
- To what extent does your DOT incorporate bicyclists, pedestrians, transit, rideshare (e.g., Uber/Lyft) pick up/drop off, or street parking into operational traffic simulation models?
- Where does your DOT obtain the data used for operational traffic simulation models?
- How does your DOT combine data from different sources for operational traffic simulation models?
- How many of your operational traffic simulation models are project-specific (only used once) versus project-agnostic (used for numerous projects)? For project-agnostic models, how frequently are the models recalibrated/validated with new data inputs?
- What type of training does your DOT provide for operational traffic simulation models? Do you use any third-party resources for training?
- What approach does your DOT use to select and manage consultants who perform operational traffic simulation modeling?
- What process does your DOT use to review operational traffic simulation models? Does this process differ for models developed in-house versus models developed by consultants? Does your DOT do “peer-consultant reviews”?
- What is your DOT’s staffing approach for the development and review of operational traffic simulation models? Are staff who work on operational traffic simulation models typically in Central Office, District/Region offices, or both?
Suggested Citation:
"Appendix C: Typical Case Example Interview Questions." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2025. Practices for Operational Traffic Simulation Models. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
doi: 10.17226/29076.
- Is your DOT considering any changes in its approach to operational traffic simulation modeling in the future? If so, what types of changes are being considered?
- Are there any factors that hinder your DOT’s use of operational traffic simulation models? If so, what are these factors?
- What would you most like to learn about regarding practices of other states for operational traffic simulation models?
- What example project using operational traffic simulation models would you like to highlight for the synthesis?
- Can you send us information on the project location?
- How was operational traffic simulation modeling used on this project?
- How was the model developed?
- What were the results?
- How were the results used to inform project decisions?
- Do you have any reports for the project that you can share?
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