# Comprehensive Review of Traffic Modeling: Towards Autonomous Vehicles
## 6 Simulation Platforms for AV Traffic
### AIMSUN (Advanced Interactive Microscopic Simulator for Urban and Non-Urban Networks)  
AIMSUN (Advanced Interactive Microscopic Simulator for Urban and Non-Urban Networks) is a versatile and widely adopted tool in traffic modeling and simulation, offering a comprehensive platform for a variety of transportation research and urban planning applications. Its effectiveness is demonstrated across numerous studies, which collectively underscore its broad applicability and the cohesive role it plays in enhancing traffic simulation outcomes.  
In Stockholm, Sweden, AIMSUN's user-friendly interface and effective parameter settings were highlighted in a comparison with SUMO, illustrating its superior ease of use and adaptability in simulating complex urban traffic conditions [247]. This user-centric design was further validated in studies assessing the impact of side friction factors such as on-road parking and pedestrian movements, where AIMSUN effectively modeled the negative effects on speed and capacity, providing critical insights for traffic performance optimization [248].  
In Slovakia, AIMSUN was employed to model traffic rerouting strategies aimed at alleviating congestion in Zilina, showcasing its practical utility in urban traffic management by facilitating the development of efficient rerouting solutions [249]. Similarly, in Zagreb, AIMSUN was utilized for multimodal urban traffic simulations, enabling real-world decision making through the testing and comparison of various scenarios, thus reinforcing its value in comprehensive urban planning [250].  
The versatility of AIMSUN was further highlighted by its integration with a fuel consumption model in Lausanne, Switzerland, where it optimized signal controls to improve both travel time and fuel efficiency. This application not only exemplifies AIMSUN's contribution to sustainable transportation solutions but also demonstrates its capacity to link traffic management with environmental impact assessments [251]. In a comparative study with CORSIM, AIMSUN was found to perform comparably in uncongested conditions, while offering distinct advantages under congestion, particularly through its modular design that allows for detailed behavioral analysis, including vehicle interactions and platooning behaviors [252; 253].  
Additionally, AIMSUN has been utilized to study phase transitions in urban traffic, revealing hysteresis behavior in flow-density diagrams--a crucial insight for understanding and managing traffic flow dynamics in urban settings [254]. Its ability to integrate satellite-based geographical data has also been explored to automate the creation of detailed route networks, enhancing the precision and efficiency of traffic simulations [255].  
In modern urban planning contexts, such as in San Jose, AIMSUN was used to evaluate the impacts of street design changes and tactical urbanism strategies, demonstrating its applicability in planning and executing contemporary urban development initiatives [256]. Furthermore, the combined use of AIMSUN and SYNCHRO has proven effective in improving traffic conditions and supporting sustainable urban transportation by optimizing traffic signal phasing and timing [257].  
These interconnected studies illustrate AIMSUN's extensive applicability in traffic simulations, from optimizing traffic flow and fuel consumption to evaluating urban design changes and managing congestion. This tool's capacity to integrate various aspects of traffic and urban planning makes it an indispensable resource for transportation research and practical urban planning, supporting a cohesive approach to addressing complex transportation challenges.