VISUM FAQ

Does VISUM support 64-bit operating systems, such as VISTA and WINDOWS7? (#89)

VISUM 9.5 and higher versions are offered as 64-bit software and support Windows Vista 64-bit and Windows7 64-bit. The 64-bit functionality allows you to reserve much more main memory for a program than a 32-bit operating system. This especially speeds up working with large, memory-intensive networks. The 32-bit versions of VISUM 9.5 and higher run under Windows Vista and Windows7, but in the 32-bit mode.

What's the difference between release versions and service packs? (#84)

Release versions are the actual program versions. Service packs are used to update the program or release versions. They contain enhancements and fixes of the respective release version. They are cumulative, i.e. the current service pack always contains all previous ones. A service pack can only be used to update the respective release version, i.e. if you want to use service pack 9.50001, you need a basic installation of VISUM 9.5.

How do I learn about new service packs? (#68)

If you'd like to automatically be informed about new service packs for the different versions of VISUM, you're welcome to subscribe to our Automatic Service Pack Info service.

What are VISUM release versions? (#46)

Release versions are VISUM program versions that must be installed separately from each other. They have different program numbers, including the first decimal place (e.g.. 8.1, 9.4, 9.5, 10.0, 11.0).

When I start the program the error message "License has expired" appears. Who can help in this case?  (#32)

VISUM licenses can be limited to use within a certain period. In this case, please contact the <a"opens href="mailto:traffic.customerservice@ptv.de"></a"opens>Traffic Customer Service<//a>.

Where can I find the password to download the service packs? (#17)

You can find the password in the 'DownloadServicePacks.txt' file, in the Documents or Doc subfolder of your VISUM installation.

What settings do I have to make on the computer with the codemeter dongle, so that the other computers in the network can also start VISUM? (#69)

To access the menu, on the taskbar right-click the Codemeter symbol, then click -> Web-Admin. In the Settings -> Network tab, select the "Start as server" check box.

After I've installed the standard version of VISUM in the network mode, the error message "Hardlock not found (Aladdin dongle)" is displayed. (#23)

For VISUM network operation, you need to install the Hardlock drivers and the Hardlock server software on the server. The Hardlock server is the computer that provides the network with the VISUM licenses.
A network installation can only be run via the network, i.e. you need to establish a connection from the clients to the server via the network.
Please note: Firewall connections via port 3047 (TCP and UDP) must be activated.
For further information, refer to the Hardlock End Users' Manual on the installation CD (HLEndUsersManual_en.pdf).

When printing in PDF the background graphics only appear in black and white. (#102)

The graphics engine is the problem here. Since it is not our product, it is beyond our sphere of influence. Problems occur with graphics that have a pixel size of 5000x5000 or more. If you use a graphics program to reduce the pixel size, you will be able to print in color in PDF again. Depending on the miniaturization factor, however, the image might become more coarse-grained.

Can I display railroad lines like on maps (black- and white-striped line)? (#76)

Yes, to do so you need to use two stroke layers for the corresponding link type (see e.g. link type 9 in Ka.ver under \Example\Karlsruhe\).

How are one-way streets displayed? (#4)

Under Graphics -> Parameters... Link display there is a One-way road tab. You can use the settings there to highlight corresponding links. You can also use the IsOneWayRoad attribute, e.g. for a classified display.

Why are some network objects (e.g. stop points on a link) not displayed? (#5)

Please check the following settings in the graphic parameters:

• Order of layers: This can cause that a layer is covered by another.
• Network object: Checkbox Avoid overlapping when drawing: If activated only one of several overlapping objects is shown
• Network object: Checkbox Draw until scale: Network objects are only drawn up to a certain scale.

Furthermore, filter settings and selections via the multiselect mode might be a reason as well.

Can I also use the isochrones display for attraction-bound analyses (e.g. reachability of city center)? (#7)

To obtain an attraction-bound instead of a production-bound analysis, proceed as follows:
• Write out the journey time matrix
• Extract times for the respective (destination) zone
• External conversion into a user-defined attribute for zones
• Import attribute and visualize in 2D display

How can I output the all total link lengths per zone? (#45)

There are several ways to do so:

• Convert zones into territories: First save a .net file with zones as a single table. Then change the header of the file in a text editor, so that the file can be imported as territories via File -> Open -> Network -> Additive. The territories now have the same polygons as the zones. You can use Calculate/Procedure -> Skim matrices -> Territory indicators to calculate several spatial skims, including the link lengths per zone.

• Use the "Intersect" function: Create a user-defined attribute (in the "Network" menu) for territories of the type "Floating point number". Via Territories and Multi-Edit -> right-click -> Edit, you can select the attribute created and use the "Intersect" function to calculate the total using the total of the "Length" attribute (to the right of the next menu). See manual, chapter 4.1.3.

How can I activate links whose X attribute is greater than their Y attribute? (#103)

The condition(s)
"Attribut X" <, >, =, ... "Attribut Y" can be set directly in the filter conditions..

If you use VISUM before Version 11.5 then use this procedure:
Save the difference of the X and Y attribute in a user-defined attribute. Then apply the filter to this attribute. Accordingly, choose the value range to be greater or smaller than 0.

How can I project the volumes of the analysis period to the analysis horizon? (#92)

For such a projection (typically of day to year values), use a projection factor. Select Demand -> Tsys/ModesDsegs -> Demand segments - Edit to make the settings of your choice.

E.g. in the column selection for lists, a "Preselected analysis time period" is offered. In which cases is that used? (#74)

It is used to preset a time interval for time-specific attributes, i.e. that only attributes with this time interval can e.g. be added to a list. Attributes with other time intervals are then not shown in the list field.

Where can I find a list of all attributes in VISUM? (#50)

In the VISUM installation, in the Documents subfolder, open the Attribute.xls file. It contains a list of all attributes, including their ID and code.

What do the colors and fillings (e.g. green ring) in the attribute list mean? (#2)

Distinction by form:

• Dot: marks the present attribute values 
• Ring: marks output attributes that have not been calculated yet

Distinction by color:

• Green: direct attribute without subattributes 
• Red: attributes with subattributes To select them, left-click the plus sign. 
• Grey: related, deactivated module or matrices that are not available
• Blue: signifies aliases, i.e. attribute names created by the user.

For further information on attributes (selection, aliases, sorting), see manual, chapter 2.2.

You want to read data of another projection or coordinate system into an already existing version file (#24)

There are several options for additive reading:
If you have not specified a coordinate system for the file currently opened or for the file you want to read OR if you have specified a coordinate system for both, the data is read in and converted into the network system, if required.
If only the network includes a projection, you will be queried about the projection of the data you want to read in. If only the data you wish to read in has a coordinate system, a warning message will be displayed recommending that you assign a projection to the network. See manual, chapter 15.1.8.
 

What are AH, AP and time intervals? (#21)

VISUM offers several time intervals for analyses. It thereby distinguishes between: analysis period (AP), analysis horizon (AH) and time intervals (TI). You can choose a projection factor to calculate AH, since it is a multiple of AP. TI is a user-defined time slot (mostly lies with AP).

Which settings are (generally) recommended for PrT assignments (#81)

We recommend the above settings:
Assignment parameters:

• The number of iterations should be as large as possible. For Equilibrium Lohse, it should be at least 100, 1000 would be better.

Functions (see Calculate -> Procedures -> PrT-Functions):

• Volume delay functions should already increase in the underload area, i.e. for BPR e.g. the exponent should never be greater than 4, better is 2-3. In the overload area, you want a linear increase (e.g. VD function 'Lohse').
• Scaling of impedance, e.g. Imp = 100 * tcur
• Number of decimal places for PrT demand = 3 (up to VISUM 9.5)

When I try to calculate PuT assignments the program crashes. What could be the reason for that? (#83)

Check whether you have opened a lot of links for TSys Walk. If this is the case, huge search graphs are created in the path trees which can lead to a memory overflow. Limit the number of links permitted for TSys Walk to a minimum. In addition, reduce the maximum walk time under Calculate -> Procedures -> Functions->PuT functions -> Volume.

When comparing the PuT demand and the number of trips, I noticed that not all of the demand was assigned. How can I calculate the demand that was not assigned? (#44)

You can save the demand that was not assigned as a so-called "remaining matrix". To so do, select File -> Save as -> Origin-destination matrices. Then choose the demand matrix of the assignment and enter a new file name for the remaining matrix. In the Write matrix dialog, click Assignment matrix and under Matrix, select the Remaining matrix check box.

Why is only part of the traffic expected calculated during PuT assignment? (#40)

Timetable-based and headway-based assignment are both dynamic procedures that are based on time information. Accordingly, only passengers that are part of the demand during the assignment period are taken into account for the assignment.
When defining the demand time series, make sure that the From - time of the standard time series is added to the Start time (Demand -> Demand data - Demand segments). (Cf. manual, chapter 2.2 and Fig. 11)

How do I choose the succeeding duration for PuT assignments? (#53)

The succeeding duration should correspond to the maximum journey time in the network. A succeeding duration of 0h means that only the connections that allow passengers to reach their destination at the end of the assignment period will be considered. Too long succeeding durations do not lead to better assignment results, but increase computing time.

Are there standard settings for assignment parameters? (#57)

There are presettings and defined value ranges for all assignment parameters. However, you should become familiar with the procedures and effects of the parameters in order to be able to model special characteristics. If required, parameter settings should be checked and adapted.

Why is there a runtime error when I try to calculate assignments in larger networks? (#39)

Such a runtime error can be a sign of too high memory requirements. You can check this in your Task Manager under "System Performance". If you cannot reduce the memory requirements through improved modeling (e.g. see FAQ #83), you should use a computer with at least 2 GB, better 4 GB RAM. In addition, you can choose a large enough swap file. (See FAQ #90).

Why are the assignment results produced using two VISUM versions not the same? (#14)

The calculation algorithms of the procedures are continuously improved with the newer VISUM versions. Additional options are provided and the latest research results are implemented. This is why your assignment results might differ.

In TFlowFuzzy: How do I create a filter matrix for the check box "Adjust only active OD pairs"? (#67)

The filter matrix has the same dimension as the demand matrix and contains the value "0" for all relations that shall be transferred to the results matrix without any changes. Creation: In the Matrix editor, open the (previous) demand matrix. Overwrite the values of your choice with 0 and save them in the $V or $O format with the extension *.FMA. It is then available in the TFlow dialog

TFlowFuzzy closes with the error message "Invalid count data tolerance 0.000 for volume on link X". (#25)

The tolerance values used in TFlowFuzzy must be greater than zero. Therefore, in the filter criteria, you should set a value range greater than zero for tolerance values besides the ones for count data and volumes. Use a user-defined attribute for tolerance values, since the count data and thus the tolerance values can be very small. In the TFlowFuzzy settings, limit the selection to the active, i.e. filtered, network objects.

Why are there no field entries for operational indicators (e.g. number of service trips) in attributes list? (#22)

These attributes have to be calculated. To do so, choose Calculate -> Procedures ->Operation. Then select PuT operating indicators.

After PrT assignment there is no/hardly any volume assigned to link X (#77)

First check whether the link for the PrT TSys has been opened. Then check the turn structure of the node in front of it.

What does the error message "First face may not represent a hole. The face is discarded" mean? (#49)

Since VISUM 9.4 you can insert polygons with several faces. Thereby the orientation of the polygon specifies whether it is a surface or a hole: clockwise = hole, counter-clockwise = surface. When surfaces are digitalized, the red arrow and blue-shaded surface define the orientation of the element. The first element always has to be a surface.

How do I only change the filtered values in the Matrix editor? (#101)

To change all matrix values, click the normal arithmetic operations  (+,-,x,/). To change the filtered values only, on the right of the Matrix operations toolbar, at the bottom of the window, click the "Replace all filtered values" button.

In VISUM Version 11.5 the handling of matrices is changed. Pleas have a look to the new funtions.

Can i import Cube data into VISUM? (#107)

Yes. There is a fee required module for VISUM to import CUBE data. Please contact PTV Vision sales

If I have an ANM file written in VISUM and edited in VISSIM, how do I transfer any changes I make later in VISUM? (#95)

In the VISSIM import dialog "ANM Files", under "Save as VISSIM network file", you need to enter a name. Information is saved there that is later required for adaptive reading of the changed ANM network.

Can't I export a *.inp file to VISSIM from VISUM 10 any more? (#94)

From VISUM 10, data exchange with VISSIM is done via a so-called ANM format (Abstract Network Model). This has the advantage that changes you make later to a VISUM network can be transferred to an ANM network in VISSIM (that was previously exported from VISUM), without overwriting any changes made in VISSIM (adaptive reading). *.inp files written with VISUM 9 can be read by VISSIM 5, ANM networks written with VISUM 10 can only be read from VISSIM version 5 on.

The COM script outputs an error message after a few lines. The COM interface has been registered. Why? (#52)

Please check whether the references made to the object libraries are valid. To be able to do so, in the Microsoft Visual Basic Editor, choose Tools -> References and select the respective VISUM Object Library x.x.

Can the antivirus configuration settings have a negative impact on VISUM? (#106)

Certain antivirus program settings may affect storage on network drives. In this case, please contact your system administrator. Alternatively, it is recommended to work on a local hard drive and then save results on a network drive.

How can 3GB memory per application be addressed in Windows XP? (#90)

Windows XP can address 3 GB for each program via an entry in the boot.ini file. The boot.ini is a hidden system file that can be edited via the following commands: Start -> Properties -> System control -> System -> File tab "Extended": Start and Restore: "Settings" -> System start: "Edit"

Sample boot.ini for the configuration of the swap file:
[boot loader]
timeout=4
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect /3GB

The program has crashed while using VISUM. Who can help? (#72)

If your program has crashed, please contact  our technical support department
When you fill in the form, please describe in detail the steps that caused the program to crash and send us your data, if required. We do our utmost to fix the problem as quickly as possible so that you can resume your work without any further delay.

Where can I find more information on the licensee volume and the existing add-on modules? (#63)

Under Extras -> License  there are different attributes for the restriction of the network size. Here you will also find information on the add-on modules. Licensed modules can be activated or deactivated by ticking the relevant box. If you wish to change your license, please contact our Sales department.

Is it possible to open versions that exceed the license size? (#60)

As of VISUM 10.02-00 all VISUM license sizes except A can read all version files. A warning message appears as soon as the license size is exceeded after adding network objects or reading in a network. Then, procedure calculations, storage operations and COM access are no longer possible.

Can VISUM results also be visualized in other programs? (#58)

By saving the files in SVG format you can open them in a web browser which allows activating and deactivating single network objects as layers like in GIS systems. A Shape file export also allows visualization in an external program.

How can I contact the technical support department? (#56)

The technical support is an e-mail service that can be contacted using the contact form at Technical Hotline - Contact form (alternatively, you will find the contact link in the program by clicking ? -> Info -> Contact).
Customers with a support contract will receive support regarding modeling issues or problems that are not sufficiently covered by the FAQ section or the manual.
We welcome your comments and any suggestions you may have to improve our product.

Is there a VISUM demo version available? (#55)

To get acquainted with VISUM's range of functionalities, you can order a VISUM demo version.

What possibilities are there for support? (#54)

Users with a support contract have access to our FAQ site. 
Moreover, our support team will be glad to help (contact details cf. FAQ #56).
At Traffic Customer Service you can ask for our PTV Vision Tutorials which assist you in using the software product for your project.  The tutorials are regularly updated.  Procedures for typical issues arising when working on projects are described using sample data. The tutorials are intended to help 
both entry-level and advanced-level users.

Can the screenshot be directly saved from VISUM? (#31)

The following procedures are suitable for a format-independent output: 

With Extras -> Screenshot  the entire screen (without title bars, etc.) is output in JPG format. The screenshot is identical to the section of the VISUM network window (cf. FAQ #3)

Go to File -> Save as -> SVG  to save the screenshot in the vector-based SVG format. This format is supported by all standard browsers.

Where can I download the Adobe printer driver required for the creation of PostScript or PDF files? (#29)

The Adobe printer driver for PostScript files can be downloaded from Adobe's website. You need a PDF converter, if you want to create PDF files. For more information visit Adobe's website or other relevant sources.

What are the hardware and software requirements for VISUM? (#27)

We recommend the following: 

Operating system:

• Windows 2000 SP4
• Windows XP
• Windows Vista (see FAQ #89)

Hardware:

• at least 2 GHz processor
• RAM at least 512 MB, for large networks 2+ GB (see FAQ #66)
• DirectX9 enabled graphics card
• 17" monitor with a resolution of 1024 x 768 as a minimum, 21" monitor recommended

How can I find out about new features of a release version?  (#109)

In the \Documents\ subfolder of your VISUM installation there is a PDF file called Overview_xx.pdf that contains information about changes and new features.

How can I get information on the latest changes in the service packs? (#18)

When installing a service pack, a VISUMReleaseNotesxxx_eng.pdf file is copied to the Documents or Doc directory of the relevant VISUM installation. It includes all short descriptions on the bug fixes and changes.

How can the network objects toolbar be restored? (#15)

Go to View -> Toolbars -> Network objects to hide or show the toolbar.