Transport Modelling Network

Cultivating and catering for the interest knowledge and expertise of transport and land use modelling across Australia.

The AITPM Transport Modelling Network (TMN) is dedicated to cultivating and catering for the interest knowledge and expertise of transport and land use modelling across Australia. The establishment of the TMN was a core action of the AITPM’s Strategic Plan 2013-2017.

The TMN covers a broad range of Transport and Land Use Modelling activities for all modes of transport. This provides an opportunity for individuals from all sectors, including government, academia, research, data collection, software development and consulting, to interact, share knowledge and promote good practice within the modelling community and to/from the wider transportation planning & engineering industry.

Since being established in 2013, our key focus has been on:

• National Conference and Forum – The formation of the TMN has provided the opportunity of running a transport and land use modelling stream at the AITPM National Conference. In addition, the transport and land use modelling forum on the final day of the conference has continued to be a popular and well attended event.
• Annual Modelling Events –  The TMN aspires to host at least one modelling event in each state a year, accompanied by online National Webinars for the sharing of practice across the states and territories of Australia. These events can typically be aimed both towards “Non-Modellers” (E.g. practitioners who are reliant on the results of models, but who do not necessarily compile modelling themselves) as well as separately (or together) at “Modellers” in a more technical depth, for those professionals more directly involved in the compiling and/or delivery of transport and land use models.

Our current and ongoing key initiatives include as follows:

• TMN to assist championing and moderation of the new AITPM online platform for those members indicating an interest area in transportation analysis and/or modelling (this community).
• TMN National Committee Google drive repository established for effective and open sharing leading to healthy development of nationally, regionally and locally significant documents and initiatives.
• Two AITPM National Seminars (online) concerning transportation network analysis/modelling already delivered during 2020. National online seminar topics (x3 in the remainder of 2020) voted on by TMN National Committee - Next event being developed for delivery on 16th September on the topic of “TMN 2020 National Seminars Series - Land Use-Transport Interaction (LUTI) Modelling”.
• Public Sector Modelling - Knowledge Sharing Workshop (KSW):  Being championed as at last two years National Conferences with significant expansive and beneficial impacts for AIPTM’s profile in terms of connecting professionals in Transport. This year online, in early September.
• Academic sector R & D collaboration aiming to better connect with both public sector and consultancy sector practice nationally.
• As with AITPM nationally, TMN continues to seek our achieving greater inclusion and diversity in both its volunteer base and initiatives.
• Pedestrian Modelling Guidelines: Being championed and developed by a Technical Committee Chaired by John Webster (WSP, Sydney) with TMN National Committee consultation and involvement. Outputs/reporting was anticipated by Brisbane 2020 AITPM National Conference (now delayed).
• Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) framework national discussions: Scott Benjamin championing in partnership with ITS Australia, ATAP, NTC, IV, Office of Future Transport Technology – DITCRD and the national range of state authorities. Regional state consultation TMN events coordinated and delivered in Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Sydney and Perth. Summary outcomes document anticipated for development and delivery during 2020.

While National Conference, seminars and local events have been successful and well attended, we are always looking at ways of improving. As such, we welcome your feedback, ideas and input.

Download TMN Brochure

Transport Modelling Code of Conduct

Going Forward

There is an endless amount of activities and functions the TMN can perform; however, we are reliant on volunteers to assist. With your help we are looking at ways of:

• Organising more local and national events
• Creating network opportunities for members
• Developing national initiatives
• Increasing member participation

Please contact one of the committee representatives from your state to provide your input and find out more about the TMN.

TRANSPORT MODELLING NETWORK COMMITTEE

In addition to the above roles, the TMN also include the following advisors, providing an opportunity for the TMN to work with other industry bodies and experts to assist with various matters:

Engineers NZ - NZMugs - Reciprocal Committee representative - Ian Clarke

UK representative - Reciprocal Committee Member from Modelling World (UK) - Tom van Vuren

National academic sector coordinator - Nicholas Holyoak

Pedestrian modelling guidelines development - National Coorindator - John Webster

CAV Initiative (AITPM partnered with ITS Australia) - National Coordinator - Scott Benjamin