Modeling the distribution of freight flows within the urban area using PTV Visum
Students Name: Pavlyk Bohdan Andriiovych
Qualification Level: master (ESP)
Speciality: Smart transport and logistics for cities
Institute: Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Transport
Mode of Study: full
Academic Year: 2024-2025 н.р.
Language of Defence: ukrainian
Abstract: The study explores the challenges of organizing and optimizing freight transportation within an urban area using modern transport modeling software tools. In the context of increasing traffic density, the rational distribution of freight flows becomes particularly important [1]. The methodological foundation of the study is based on principles of transport planning, logistics analysis, and a geoinformation approach to constructing the transport network model. The modeling was carried out using the PTV Visum software environment, which supports models of varying levels of detail, allows for incorporating traffic restrictions, and generates matrices of travel times and distances [2]. The initial data for the modeling included the geometry of Lviv’s street and road network, the spatial locations of 11 sites—one wholesale market (Shuvar) and ten retail markets (Pryvokzalnyi, Krakivskyi, Levandivskyi, Provesin, Halytskyi, Stryiskyi, Pivdennyi, Topolia, Vynnykivskyi, and Novyi Rynok)—as well as indicators characterizing logistics demand (market area, number of trading points, daily demand in kilograms). Some parameters were calculated analytically, while others were sourced from open electronic resources or verified using satellite imagery. Two main modeling scenarios were implemented. In the first, baseline scenario, freight transport is allowed unrestricted movement through the city center, creating a situation of maximum accessibility to all markets without regard for administrative or infrastructural limitations. In the second scenario, the situation was modeled according to real traffic regulations in Lviv, including restrictions on the entry of large vehicles into the city center. For each scenario, distance and travel time matrices were created, along with cartograms and flow distribution diagrams [3]. The research findings show that the introduction of restrictions on truck traffic in the city center leads to an increase in the average delivery route length by approximately 0.3 km, and an increase in average travel time by 2–3 minutes. Under restricted conditions, the greatest traffic burden shifts to peripheral streets, particularly Stryiska, Kulparkivska, and Volodymyra Velykoho Streets, posing a risk of local infrastructure overload. According to the results of the study, the following task was performed: 1) Analyzed scientific sources and modern approaches to freight flow modeling within an urban environment, particularly with the use of PTV Visum software; 2) Compiled input data for building the transport model, including the geometry of Lviv’s road network, the location of the wholesale center and ten retail markets, their spatial characteristics, and estimated logistical needs; 3) Developed two freight transportation modeling scenarios—one without movement restrictions (baseline) and one with restricted access through the city center—using PTV Visum; Keywords: freight flows, transport modeling, urban logistics, PTV Visum, road network, logistics routes, delivery optimization, retail markets, wholesale market, freight transport, urban planning, transport infrastructure. References. 1. Horiainov O.M. Vantazhni perevezennia: Konspekt lektsii. (dlia studentiv napriamu pidhotovky – “Transportni tekhnolohii”) / Kharkiv:KhNAMH, 2009. – 109s. 2. Rozrobka hrafika rukhu transportnykh zasobiv pry orhanizatsii vantazhnykh perevezen: navch. posib. / Yu. O. Davidich; Khark. nats. akad. misk. hosp-va. – Kh.: KhNAMH, 2010. – 345 s. 3. Liubyi Ye.V. Osnovy teorii transportnykh protsesiv i system: modeliuvannia marshrutnykh system pasazhyrskoho transportu mist / Ye.V. Liubyi, S.V. Svichynskyi // Visnyk NTU «KhPI»: zb. nauk. prats. – Kh.: NTU «KhPI» - 2012. - № 44(950). – S. 55 – 60.