Simulation and

Assignment of
Traffic in
Urban
Road
Networks
Manual - Version 11.2
March 2013
Version 11.2.05

SATURN MANUAL (V11.2)

Contents

Contents
Section

Page

1.

Introduction

1-1

1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6

The Function of SATURN

Hardware / Software Requirements
Documentation
Distribution of SATURN
Contents of the Suite
Version Control

1-1
1-3
1-5
1-5
1-6
1-7

2.

The SATURN Suite An Overview

2-1

2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
2.10

The Structure of Assignment Models

Trip Matrices in SATURN
Networks in SATURN
Route Choice in SATURN
Analysis in SATURN
General Advice on Using SATURN
Getting Started; Example Files
Text Files, Fixed Columns, Text Editors and Word Processors
Errors and Warnings: Fatal, Non-Fatal and Serious
Version Control

3.

The Basic SATURN Model

3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8

The Network Model Structure

Data Requirements
File Name Conventions
32-Bit SATURN Versions
Running Programs Under DOS (or Command Prompt)
Running Programs under WINDOWS: SATWIN 10
Using SATWIN 11 Beta
Version Control

4.

Creating an Origin-Destination Matrix File

4-1

4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5

Trip Matrices using M1 or MXM1

Important Trip Matrix Definitions
Further Notes on Trip Matrices
Alternative Matrix Formats using M1/ MXM1
Version Control

4-2
4-4
4-5
4-6
4-7

5.

Network Coding A General Description

5-1

5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5

Simulation Networks
Buffer Networks
Defining the Buffer Network
Capacity Restraint in the Buffer Network
Assignment and Map Networks

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Contents

5.6
5.7
5.8
5.9

Building Networks: The Beginner's Guide

Geographical Information System (GIS) Data
User and Vehicle Classes
Version Control

6.

Preparation of a Network Data File

6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9
6.10
6.11
6.12
6.13
6.14
6.15
6.16
6.17

Option Specification Records (Mandatory)

Network Title (Mandatory)
Parameter Specification Records (Mandatory)
Simulation Network: the 11111 Records
Simulation Centroid Connector Data: the 22222 Records
The Buffer Network/Link Data: the 33333 Records
Restricted Turns and Links: the 44444 Records
Node and Zone Co-ordinates/Supplementary Data: the 55555 Records
Fixed Routes (E.g. Buses): the 66666 Records
Counts of Link and/or Turning Volumes: the 77777 Records
Generalised Costs and/or Matrix Weights for Multiple User Classes: the 88888 Records
Fatal Errors and NAFF UFN Files
Extra Input Network File: the X-File
Specimen File
FIFO, TOPUP and DOUBLE Options for Repeated Data Input
SATNET Files
Version Control

7.

Assignment The Role of SATEASY/SATALL

7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.7
7.8
7.9
7.10
7.11
7.12
7.13
7.14

Wardrop Equilibrium Assignment

Stochastic User Equilibrium (SUE) Assignment
Multiple User Class Assignment
Joint Equilibrium Assignment and Variable Demand Models
SDM Assignment:
More Complex Elastic Assignment Models
Elastic Demand Functional Forms
Defining the Reference Trip and Cost Matrices
Multiple User Class Elastic Assignment
Combined Distribution and Assignment Models
Miscellaneous Assignment Procedures
Running SATEASY: A single elastic run
SATEASY: Technical Specifications
Version Control

8.

Simulation The Role of SATSIM

8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6

Cyclical Flow Profiles

Accept Profiles and Capacities
Internal Simulation Iterations and Convergence
Simulation Delays, Queues and Flow-Delay Curves
Blocking Back
Random Delays and Queues (LRTP)

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Contents

8.7
8.8
8.9
8.10
8.11

Modelling Roundabouts
Lane Choice Modelling
Simulation Network Capacities
SATSIM: Technical Specifications
Version Control

9.

Assignment / Simulation Loops The Role of SATALL

9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
9.6
9.7
9.8
9.9
9.10
9.11
9.12
9.13
9.14
9.15
9.16

General Principles
Monitoring Convergence
Averaging Flows: The Use of KOMBI and AUTOK
Continuing a Previous Assignment (The DIDDLE Option)
Making Convergence Easier
Elastic Assignment/Simulation Loops
SATALL: General Functions
SATALL Run-time Convergence Statistics
SATALL Convergence Statistics: Full Line Printer Listings
Elastic Assignment within SATALL
Multiple User Class Assignment within SATALL
Special SATALL Extensions
The SATALL Batch Procedure
The SATURN Batch Procedure
SATALL: Technical specifications
Version Control

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9-4
9-11
9-14
9-15
9-20
9-21
9-22
9-23
9-26
9-27
9-27
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9-30
9-31
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10.

MX: Interactive Matrix Manipulation

10-1

10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.10
10.11
10.12
10.13
10.14
10.15
10.16
10.17
10.18
10.19
10.20
10.21

Synopsis
Matrix Files: General Properties
MX File Structure
Copy/Transpose/Re-code an Input UFM File; Re-defining Zones
Matrix Input and/or Updating from a .DAT File
Select Options
Matrix Factoring
Matrix Manipulation
Statistical Analysis
Viewing and/or Editing Matrix Elements
Viewing Row and Column Totals
Matrix Graphics
Printing a complete matrix to a line printer
Printing/Dumping Row and Column Totals
Dumping a Matrix to an ASCII .DAT (Text) File
Output UFM Matrices
Stacking and Unstacking Matrices
Matrix Demand Calculations
The MX Box of Clever Tricks
Useful Matrix Batch Files
Version Control

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10-2
10-5
10-10
10-11
10-14
10-23
10-25
10-32
10-36
10-37
10-39
10-40
10-40
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Contents

11.

P1X: Interactive Analysis of Results

11.1
11.2
11.3
11.4
11.5
11.6
11.7
11.8
11.9
11.10
11.11
11.12
11.13
11.14
11.15
11.16
11.17
11.18
11.19

Introduction
Network Plotting (P1X): The Master Menu
System/device Definitions
P1X External File Control
The Network Window
Basic Network Display
Validation Options
P1X Analysis Functions
P1X Editing Facilities
SATDB: Data Base Facilities
SATLOOK: Interactive Text Outputs
Node Editing and Graphical Display (SATED)
Graphical Network Cordoning
Pure Matrix Graphics
Convergence Statistics
P1X: Technical Specifications
SATLOOK: Technical Specifications
SATDB: Technical Specification
Version Control

12.

Supplementary Programs

12.1
12.2
12.3
12.4
12.5
12.6
12.7
12.8

Network Cordoning (SATCH)

Optimum Offsets (SATOFF)
Direct Examination of UF Files (DALOOK)
Direct Comparison of UF Files (DACHEX)
Transferring UF files (DADUMP and DALOAD)
SATPIG: Generating Route Flows
SATDYSK - Dynamic Time Skims
Version Control

13.

Deriving O-D Matrices from Traffic Counts (SATME2)

13.1
13.2
13.3
13.4
13.5
13.6
13.7
13.8
13.9

Introduction to SATME2
Matrix Estimation Data Requirements
Advice on Using SATME2 and Extra Options
Updating Multiple User Class O-D Matrices
SATME2 Technical Specifications
SATPIJA - Technical Specifications
SATU2 - Selected Link Matrices
ME2 Output Files
Version Control

13-2
13-17
13-27
13-40
13-47
13-49
13-51
13-52
13-54

14.

Control Procedures (DOS Batch Files)

14-1

14.1
14.2
14.3

Introduction to Control Procedures / Command Lines

File Specification within Control Procedures
The SATURN Procedures

14-2
14-3
14-6

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14.4
14.5
14.6
14.7
14.8
14.9
14.10
14.11
14.12

Extended SATURN Procedures

LOG, KEY and VDU Files: Running Interactive Programs Off-line
Namelist Parameters Set on the Command Line
Command Line Options and Batch Procedures
Extended Command Line Files: Using .XCL Files
QUIET Command Lines
QUICK Command Lines
Create Your Own BATCH Files: A Beginners Guide
Version Control

15.

Special Options and Facilities

15.1
15.2
15.3
15.4
15.5
15.6
15.7
15.8
15.9
15.10
15.11
15.12
15.13
15.14
15.15
15.16
15.17
15.18
15.19
15.20
15.21
15.22
15.23
15.24
15.25
15.26
15.27
15.28
15.29
15.30
15.31
15.32
15.33
15.34
15.35

Network Aggregation and Simplification within Intermediate Bands

Preferences files
Network Updates (The Update Option)
Updating the Trip Matrix (The Re-start Facility)
Pre-Loading Fixed Flows (The Plod Option)
Comparing Assigned and Observed Flows: GEH Statistics
Use of SATURN Outside the U.K.
Using SATURN as a Conventional Assignment Model
Converting Conventional Speed-Flow Curves into SATURN Curves
The use of Crow-Fly Distances (The SHANDY Option)
Coding Combined Buffer and Simulation Networks
Automatic Network Coding (The AUTOX and AUTOZ Options)
Supplementary Data for Simulation Links Using Buffer Network Inputs
Extra Link Data (Knobs)
Node-Dependent Parameters: GAP, GAPM, NUC and LCY
Simulation Link Flows and Centroid Connectors
Pcus, Cars, Buses and Vehicles
Interpolating Routes
Select Link Analysis (SLA)
The Dutch Option (Long Node Numbers)
Referencing Data Arrays Via Dirck Access Codes
Choice of Gap Parameters
Re-constructing Assignment Routes: The SAVEIT Option and UFC Files
Alternative Link Costs and/or Times for Tree Building
Stochastic Trees
Trees, Forests and Arboreta
Skimming Trees and/or Forests
Variable Program Dimensions
Comment Cards and Blank Records in Data Files
The Use of Sub-Files within Data Files: $INCLUDE
Setting Optimum Stage Green Times
Determining Fuel Consumption
Determining Emission Statistics
Estimating Primary and Secondary Stops
Altered Data Formats in .DAT Input Files

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15.37
15.38
15.39
15.40
15.41
15.42
15.43
15.44
15.45
15.46
15.47
15.48
15.49
15.50
15.51
15.52
15.53
15.54
15.55
15.56
15.57
15.58
15.59

Turning Flows at Buffer Nodes

Repeated Assignments: Modelling Cold Starts, etc.
Non-discontinuous Speed-Flow Curves: the Kinky Option
Bus-only Lanes
Motorway Weaving Segments
SATTUBA
SATCOBA
Bitmaps within SATURN
Defining Bus Travel Times
Representing Walk / Pedestrian Networks
DBDUMP: Dumping Link Data to Text Files
CLICKS: Variable Free Flow Speeds by User Class
UNIQUE: Combined Queues within the Buffer Network
SATURN Summary Statistics Reporting Tool (SATSTAT)
SATMECC Marginal Economic Consumer Costs
Running SATURN within DIADEM
Running SATURN in Parallel
SATURN Multi-Core Applications
SATURN CASSINI
QUIET & QUICK Options via SATWIN
Network Aggregation (SPIDER)
Residual (Incorrect) Path Flows and Restricted Frank-Wolfe Algorithms
Error Listing Files
Version Control

16.

Simulation Network Coding Example

16.1
16.2
16.3
16.4
16.5
16.6
16.7
16.8

Traffic Signals
Roundabouts
Priority Junctions
External Nodes
Dummy Nodes
Simulation Centroid Connectors
Motorway Links
Version Control

17.

Multiple Time Period Modelling in SATURN

17.1
17.2
17.3
17.4
17.5
17.6
17.7
17.8
17.9
17.10

Treatment of Over-Capacity Junctions: General Principles

Actual and Demand Flow in SATURN Simulation
Linked Time Periods (The PASSQ Option)
Running Multiple Time Periods Using PASSQ: Simple Procedures
The SATSUMA Program
The Definition and Calculation of Queues and Delays
Junction-based Summary Statistics
Network-based Simulation Summary Statistic
Combined Simulation and Buffer Total Statistics
Delay-based Arrays in .ufs Files: Definitions

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SATURN MANUAL (V11.2)

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17.11 Formulae for Calculating Totals

17.12 Version Control

17-6
17-11

18.

Network Structure and Editing: PMAKE

18.1
18.2
18.3
18.4
18.5
18.6
18.7
18.8
18.9
18.10
18.11

Network data base structures

Network Editing
PMAKE - Network Building from Scratch
PMAKE: Editing Existing Networks
Node Editing within PMAKE
Link Editing within PMAKE
Simulation Centroid Connector Editing within PMAKE (11.9.4)
Capacity Indices on New Links
U-Turns at External Simulation Nodes
Disconnected Assignment Networks
Version Control

19.

Running SATURN Programs Interactively

19.1
19.2
19.3
19.4
19.5
19.6
19.7
19.8
19.9
19.10
19.11
19.12
19.13

Introduction
Graphics and Text Mode
Menus
Banner Menus
Menu Bars (P1X only)
Text Menus
Windows List Boxes
Setting Variables
Windows Screen Edit and Edit Box Inputs
Output Text Windows
The Help Facility
Mouse-based Inputs
Version Control

20.

Modelling Road User Charges in SATURN

20.1
20.2
20.3
20.4
20.5
20.6
20.7

Introduction
The Role of Tolls in SATURN Modelling
Input of Charges (Tolls) in SATURN
Calculating and Reporting Charge/Toll Statistics
Examples of Charging Systems in SATURN
STOLL: Modelling Stochastic Values of Times of Tolls
Version Control

21.

Alternative Network Data Structures and Assignment Methods: Origin Based

(OBA) and Path Based Assignment
21-1

21.1
21.2
21.3
21.4
21.5

Network Data Structures

Advantages and Disadvantages of OBA and Paths
Perturbation Assignment (WSTART and/or IPERT)
Storing Path Files: UFO and UFQ
Practical Restrictions within SATURN

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21.6
21.7
21.8
21.9
21.10

Additional OBA Output Files

Practical Considerations
Examples of OBA Applications
Further Information
Version Control

22.

Kick Starts: Updating, Warm Starts and Continuation Techniques

22.1
22.2
22.3
22.4
22.5
22.6
22.7
22.8

Introduction to Kick Starts

Review of Traditional Kick Start Options
Warm Starts (WSTART = T)
WSTART with Topologically Identical Networks and Matrices
WSTART with Altered Networks and/or Matrices: UFO Files
Warm Starts with Elastic Assignment
Advantages of Kick-Starts
Version Control

23.

Linking SATURN and Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

23.1
23.2
23.3
23.4
23.5
23.6

Introduction
Exporting SATURN data to GIS Systems
Importing data from GIS Systems into SATURN
The Atkins MapInfo Tools
SATURN GIS Creator
Version Control

24.

INDEX

24.1

Version Control

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