Tools for Transport Analysis
This module introduces students to a set of analytical tools which are frequently used in transport planning practice. These include three key approaches to transport modelling (Part A), namely discrete choice model, activity travel framework and social and psychological approach, as well as geographic information systems (GIS) (Part B). Part A aims to provide a non-mathematical introduction to the principles and practice of building models for analysing and forecasting passenger and goods transport, and for transport strategy development and appraisal. In particular it will be concerned with the analysis and evaluation of highway networks. Part B introduces students to the use of GIS in planning through hands-on exercises, aiming to develop skills in the use of spatial data handling in a range of planning tasks. Each lecture of Part B is followed by a practical session which is concerned with the use of GIS in a particular planning task. Throughout, this is a “hands-on” course with an emphasis on learning by doing.