Modeling & Simulation for Intelligent Transportation Systems

In the era of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), the technologies supporting Communications, Sensing & Surveillance mechanisms, and Information & Control systems are spread through the road infrastructure, the vehicles and the users. Their critical mission is the endorsement of efficient, safety and environmental-friendly transport networks that promote the citizens' quality of life. This complex and multidisciplinary challenge requires a conceptual framework to guide the operations and to integrate systems, processes, tools, personnel, and data. In addition, a modular platform with proper modeling, simulating, and visualization capabilities is critical to understand the system-in-analysis, to support well-informed decisions, and to involve the general public in the traffic & environment issue. This work describes the main features of contemporary ITS, emphasizing the Portuguese case, and describes the fundamental modeling & simulation tools that are considered critical to support the daily operation of the urban transportation system.