Synchro Studio 8

Getting Started and What’s New in Version 8

Synchro Studio 8 and Warrants 8 Getting Started and What’s New (Updated October 24, 2011)

Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 1‐1 
LICENSE OPTIONS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 1‐1 
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR WINDOWS VISTA OR WINDOWS 7 USERS ................................................................................................. 1‐1 
SYNCHRO STUDIO 8 AND WARRANTS 8 INSTALLATION ...................................................................................................................... 1‐2 
TO ACTIVATE SYNCHRO STUDIO 8 AND WARRANTS 8 ....................................................................................................................... 1‐4 
TO DEACTIVATE SYNCHRO STUDIO 8 AND WARRANTS 8 .................................................................................................................... 1‐5 
DEMO VERSION......................................................................................................................................................................... 1‐5 
TO VIEW SAMPLE FILES .............................................................................................................................................................. 1‐6 
LIST OF SAMPLE FILES ................................................................................................................................................................. 1‐6 
CHAPTER 2 ‐ WHAT’S NEW IN SYNCHRO AND SIMTRAFFIC ............................................................................................. 2‐1 
MAP VIEW ‐ LINK MENU OPTIONS ............................................................................................................................................... 2‐1 
Street Name Up ................................................................................................................................................................ 2‐1 
Move Street Name ............................................................................................................................................................ 2‐1 
Hide/Show Street Name ................................................................................................................................................... 2‐2 
Switch Diagram Position ................................................................................................................................................... 2‐2 
Move Volume Diagram ..................................................................................................................................................... 2‐2 
Switch Toolbar Position to Left or Right............................................................................................................................ 2‐2 
USING BING™ TO ADD A BACKGROUND IMAGE ............................................................................................................................... 2‐2 
Get Map Dialog Options ................................................................................................................................................... 2‐4 
LANE SETTINGS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 2‐5 
Link is Hidden .................................................................................................................................................................... 2‐5 
Hide Street Name in Node Title......................................................................................................................................... 2‐5 
MANDATORY STOP ON YELLOW ................................................................................................................................................... 2‐6 
TIME TRACKER IN SYNCHRO ......................................................................................................................................................... 2‐6 
SCENARIO MANAGER DIALOG ...................................................................................................................................................... 2‐7 
INCREASE CYCLE AND SPLIT TIMES ................................................................................................................................................. 2‐8 
CHANGES FOR HCM 2010 ......................................................................................................................................................... 2‐8 
SHOW MOVEMENT LOS LABELS ................................................................................................................................................. 2‐12 
DEFAULT DETECTOR SETTINGS ................................................................................................................................................... 2‐12 
STREET NAME AND VOLUME LABEL BACKGROUNDS ....................................................................................................................... 2‐13 
ZOOM IN THE REPORT PREVIEW ................................................................................................................................................. 2‐14 
PRINT WINDOW PREVIEW ......................................................................................................................................................... 2‐14 
NEW REPORT HEADER OPTION .................................................................................................................................................. 2‐15 
SCREEN RECORDER IN SIMTRAFFIC .............................................................................................................................................. 2‐15 
ENABLE 3D FILE BUTTON .......................................................................................................................................................... 2‐16 
CREATE SSAM EXPORT ............................................................................................................................................................ 2‐16 
CHAPTER 3‐ WHAT’S NEW IN 3D VIEWER ..................................................................................................................... 2‐17 
NEW MODEL CATEGORIES ......................................................................................................................................................... 2‐17 
ADDING A MODEL OBJECT TO THE SCENE ..................................................................................................................................... 2‐17 
SELECTING AN OBJECT .............................................................................................................................................................. 2‐18 
CHANGING THE SIZE OF A MODEL ............................................................................................................................................... 2‐18 
ADDING A CUSTOM MODEL IN 3DS FORMAT ................................................................................................................................ 2‐18 
A NEW BUTTON FOR THE TOUR PANEL – FILMING ......................................................................................................................... 2‐19 
GENERATE DIGITAL VIDEO PARAMETERS ...................................................................................................................................... 2‐19 
Predefined settings ......................................................................................................................................................... 2‐20 
Parameters ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2‐20 

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Getting Started and What’s New (Updated October 24, 2011) Synchro Studio 8 and Warrants 8

CHAPTER 4 ‐ WHAT’S NEW IN WARRANTS ................................................................................................................... 2‐21 
SUPPORT FOR 2009 MUTCD ................................................................................................................................................... 2‐21 
Revision to Warrant 4 for 2009 Methods ....................................................................................................................... 2‐21 
Addition of New Warrant 9 for 2009 Methods .............................................................................................................. 2‐21 
 

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Synchro Studio 8 and Warrants 8 Getting Started and What’s New (Updated October 24, 2011)

Figures
FIGURE 1  LINK MENU .............................................................................................................................................................. 2‐1 
FIGURE 2  SWITCH TOOLBAR POSITION ........................................................................................................................................ 2‐2 
FIGURE 3  SELECT BACKGROUND DIALOG ..................................................................................................................................... 2‐3 
FIGURE 4  GET MAP DIALOG ...................................................................................................................................................... 2‐4 
FIGURE 5  SET SYNCHRO REFERENCE POINT DIALOG ....................................................................................................................... 2‐4 
FIGURE 6  HIDE NAME IN NODE TITLE .......................................................................................................................................... 2‐6 
FIGURE 7  2010 HCM SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION AUTO MODE SCREEN ............................................................................................ 2‐9 
FIGURE 8  2010 HCM SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION PEDESTRIAN MODE SCREEN ................................................................................... 2‐9 
FIGURE 9  2010 HCM SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION BICYCLE MODE SCREEN ....................................................................................... 2‐10 
FIGURE 10  2010 HCM TWSC AUTO MODE SCREEN .................................................................................................................... 2‐10 
FIGURE 11  2010 HCM AWSC AUTO MODE SCREEN ................................................................................................................... 2‐11 
FIGURE 12  2010 HCM ROUNDABOUT AUTO MODE SCREEN .......................................................................................................... 2‐11 
FIGURE 13  SHOW LOS BY MOVEMENT ON MAP ........................................................................................................................... 2‐12 
FIGURE 14  LOAD DEFAULTS DIALOG (IN DETECTOR TEMPLATE) ....................................................................................................... 2‐13 
FIGURE 15  LOAD DEFAULTS DIALOG (IN NETWORK SETTINGS) ......................................................................................................... 2‐13 
FIGURE 16  BACKGROUND VISIBLE IN MAP SETTINGS ...................................................................................................................... 2‐14 
FIGURE 17  REPORT PREVIEW ZOOM CONTROL ............................................................................................................................. 2‐14 
FIGURE 18  PRINT WINDOW DIALOG OPTIONS .............................................................................................................................. 2‐15 
FIGURE 19  SIMTRAFFIC VIDEO RECORDER SETTINGS DIALOG ........................................................................................................... 2‐16 
FIGURE 20  2009 FEDERAL WARRANT 4 ...................................................................................................................................... 2‐21 
FIGURE 21  2009 FEDERAL WARRANT 9 ...................................................................................................................................... 2‐22 

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Synchro Studio 8 and Warrants 8 Getting Started and What’s New (Updated October 24, 2011)

Chapter 1 – Introduction
Welcome to the new and improved Synchro Studio 8 and Warrants 8. Trafficware's software suite is a complete solution
for modeling, optimizing and visualizing traffic networks. Using Synchro Studio and Warrants, traffic professionals can
easily analyze capacity and timing optimization as well as simulate, check and fine tune traffic signal operations. With
Warrants 8, the user can check the need for a traffic control signal. The new features of Synchro Studio along with Warrants
will greatly enhance the productivity of the user as well as provide numerous visual enhancements.

License Options
Synchro Studio includes the following purchase options.
 Synchro Studio 8 (Synchro, SimTraffic, 3D Viewer and SimTraffic CI)
 Synchro/SimTraffic 8 (includes SimTraffic CI software)
 Synchro/SimTraffic 8 Light (includes SimTraffic CI software)
 3D Viewer 8
 Warrants 8 (Not part of Synchro Studio)
This Getting Started, Synchro Studio User Guide and Warrants 8 User Guide include information on the full product
line. Depending on your license level, you may not have access to the full features of the Studio Suite or Warrants 8. Contact
Trafficware for details on licensing or visit www.trafficware.com.

Special Instructions for Windows Vista or Windows 7 Users

If you have a computer running Windows Vista or Windows 7 operating system, please complete the following
steps prior to completing the steps listed in the next section.

1. Go to Control Panel.
2. Select the “System and Security Icon”

3. Select the “Change User Account Control Settings” from the Action Center

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Getting Started and What’s New (Updated October 24, 2011) Synchro Studio 8 and Warrants 8

4. Pull down the scroll bar to the bottom.

5. Click OK to close the User Account Control Settings window.

6. REBOOT to have changes to security take effect.
7. Install and Activate as directed.
8. Return to the Control Panel and set your security to the highest setting, if so desired.
9. REBOOT to have changes to security take effect.

Synchro Studio 8 and Warrants 8 Installation

If this is an upgrade, you will first want to install version 7 on new machine using your version 7 key (and
deactivate from the old machine). You will want to do this prior to installing v8 as v8 looks for the presence of v7.
If you have a computer running Windows Vista or Windows 7 operating system, please refer to the previous
section before completing the following steps.

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Synchro 8 can be downloaded by visiting the Trafficware website, www.trafficware.com. Choose the Downloads link on the
homepage.
The Installation Wizard will guide you through the installation process (after you download the setup file).
1. Read the license agreement carefully.

Select the [Accept] button to accept the terms of the license agreement and proceed with the installation. You must
accept the license agreement to install Synchro Studio 8 and Warrants 8.
2. The Installation Wizard saves all files to the default directory (C:\Program Files\Trafficware for 32-bit machines and
C:\Program Files (x86)\Trafficware for 64-bit machines)

3. Synchro Studio and Warrants 8 is now ready to install. Select the [Next] button to install in the selected directory.

4. When the installation is complete, select the [Finish] button to exit the Installation Wizard.

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To Activate Synchro Studio 8 and Warrants 8

When you activate Synchro Studio 8 and Warrants 8, activate under the user’s profile on the laptop/PC. Log on to
the laptop/PC as the User Profile of the individual that will be using Synchro Studio 8 and Warrants 8.

1. Select the Start Menu, then choose ProgramsTrafficwareSynchro 8 (3D Viewer 8, Warrants 8) or double click on
the shortcut from your desktop (if created in step 3 above).
2. Read the license agreement carefully.

Check the ‘I Accept the General License Agreement’ box to proceed.

Select [Activate] to proceed with the activation. Press [Demo] if you want to use the demo version. The demo version
will allow you to try out the features by viewing the sample files. The sample files are located in the directory where you
have installed Synchro Studio 8 and Warrants 8. You will not be able to create your own network with the demo mode.
3. The first time using Synchro (3D Viewer, Warrants), you will be asked to activate your software. Enter the requested
information on the Application Activation dialog shown here.

The information entered in the Application Activation dialog is used to setup the profile for online support with
Trafficware. Be sure to enter the information for the individual that will be using the software.

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Synchro Studio 8 and Warrants 8 Getting Started and What’s New (Updated October 24, 2011)

The License Key is provided by Trafficware and will be shown on your license certificate and will be emailed to you.
The License Key is in the format (Serial Number / Company Name - Product Key).

To ensure accurate entry into the Application Activation dialog, copy the entire string from your email
message and paste into the License Key box.

The entries with the asterisk “*” are required to activate the software.
After entering the necessary information, select [OK].
4. The next dialog gives you two options to activate and an option to activate later.

‘Activate using the Internet’ is the preferred method for activating your software. Choose this option and select [OK] to
automatically and quickly activate your software. Allow 10 business days from purchase date to activate your software.
Use the ‘Activate Later’ option to work with Synchro Studio and Warrants during the grace period.

The grace period is forty-five days from the date of your order. When activating via the internet, a message
may appear indicating that the invoice has not been paid. Please allow ten business days after payment to
activate the software.

If you do not have an internet connection, use the ‘Activate by Phone’ option and press [OK]. Follow the instructions on
the Phone Activation dialog. Before calling, make sure the invoice has been paid and have your license key available.
Trafficware staff will ask for the Machine Key listed in the Phone Activation dialog. With this information, an
Activation Code will be provided.

To Deactivate Synchro Studio 8 and Warrants 8

A Synchro license is activated to one user. You can de-activate on your primary user and move to another user.
1. Select the Start Menu, then choose ProgramsTrafficwareSynchro 8 (3D Viewer, Warrants) or double click on
the shortcut from your desktop.
2. From Synchro, choose HelpLicense Key.
3. Choose the [Deactivate] button and write down the Deactivation Code.
4. Call Trafficware at (510) 526-5891 during business hours with the Deactivation Code. Or email the code to
[email protected].

BE CAREFUL, this will deactivate your software on your machine. Once deactivated, you will need to contact
Trafficware to reactivate on your laptop or PC. Please be sure to time this during normal business hours of
8:30am-5:00pm (CT) M-F.

Demo Version
The Demo version can be used to record and playback simulations for the sample files located in the Trafficware directory.
The Demo version cannot be used to record animations on other files.
The Demo version can also be used to playback prerecorded history files. This allows unlicensed users to view animation
files. If you would like to share a SimTraffic animation with a colleague or run an animation on a laptop, install and use

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Getting Started and What’s New (Updated October 24, 2011) Synchro Studio 8 and Warrants 8

Synchro and SimTraffic in the Demo mode. The Demo can view the animations but not make changes. You will need the
following:
1. The Synchro Data file (SYN)
2. The SimTraffic Parameters file (SIM)
3. The History file (HST)
4. Timing or volume data files, if data access is used.
5. The Synchro/SimTraffic installation CD or download file (setup.exe).

To View Sample Files

1. Synchro Studio and Warrants 8 comes with sample files so that you can see how street networks are modeled in
Synchro. To view the sample files:
2. From Synchro, choose the FileOpen command.
3. Navigate to the Trafficware\Version8\Sample Files folder.
4. Select a file from the list.
5. Review the “Synchro Examples.pdf” document (installed in the Trafficware directory) to see how these files were
created.

List of Sample Files

The sample files are located in the Trafficware\Version8\Sample Files directory. The table below is a listing of the files with
a brief description. The column “HCM 2010 Computational Engine 3.5 Complaint” indicates if the sample confirms to the
2010 HCM signalized intersection methods. If the answer is “No”, then the sample file cannot be viewed in the HCM 2010
Settings Screen of Synchro.
HCM 2010
Computational
Sample File Name Description Notes
Engine 3.5
Compliant*
Coding elements for an All-Way This example matches the HCM 2010
HCM_AWSC_Example Not Applicable
Stop Control T-Intersection. Chapter 20- Example 1.
Coding elements for a Two-Way
Stop Control intersection with This example matches the HCM 2010
HCM_TWSC_Example Not Applicable
flared approaches and median Chapter 32 - Example 3.
storage.
Single Lane Coding elements for single lane This example matches the HCM 2010
Not Applicable
Roundabout roundabout with slip ramps Chapter 21- Example 1.
Coding elements for dual lane This example matches the HCM 2010
Dual Lane Roundabout Not Applicable
roundabout without slip ramps Chapter 21 - Example 2.
Complex Diverging Diamond
Interchange (DDI) example file, Includes a closely spaced frontage
also known as a Double road intersection. Notice the use of the
99 diverging diamond3 No
Crossover Diamond Interchange Link Offset (Simulation Settings) at
www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/ the DDI intersections.
research/safety/09054/index.cfm
Complex Continuous Flow Synchro allows 8 intersections to be
CFI Step 4 Signal
Interchange (CFI), using all four No grouped (clustered). The center
Timing
quadrants intersection is set as unsignalized and

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HCM 2010
Computational
Sample File Name Description Notes
Engine 3.5
Compliant*
all directions have sign control set to
“Free”.
The EBR and WBR begin 5 seconds
after the EBT and WBT. This allows
The EBR and WBR have a Hold
Leading Peds No the EB/WB ped phase to get a 5
phase 5
second head start prior to the
conflicting rights.
This file was created with two parallel
Example of a Super Street
E/W links. Node 100 and 240 are the
signalized network
signalized U-turn intersections. Notice
Super Street, Signalized www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/ No
that the cycle can vary for the EB and
research/safety/04091/10.cfm#c1
WB directions, thus allowing good
025
progression in both directions.
Notice the modified Ring & Barrier
Tucson concurrent Example of concurrent lagging Designer (Options> Ring and Barrier).
No
lagging lefts lefts as used in Tucson This ensures that the lagging lefts run
concurrently.
The two intersections in the “dog-leg”
are clustered by going to Options>
Cluster Editor. Notice the Splits and
Coding for grouping two
2 Inter One Controller No Phasing diagram in the Timing
intersections using one controller
Settings screen. It shows the phasing
design for both intersections at one
time.
This example illustrates the use of
Example of a multiple approach
6 Leg Intersection No barrier 3 (Options> Ring and Barrier)
intersection
to model the diagonal intersection.
This example has basic two-phase
Example illustrating the intersection coding. Note that Synchro
Basic 2P w Porkchops Yes
channelized islands coded cannot model channelized rights, it is
for simulation in SimTraffic.
Simple 4-leg intersection with This is a very basic example using a
Basic 2-Phase Yes
basic 2-phase operation. pretimed controller.
Includes vehicle mix, buildings,
Demo3D Yes Requires 3D Viewer
etc.
This example illustrates the use of the
A complex diamond interchange cluster editor and the ring and barrier
Diamond – Leading Alt coding example (also known as a No designer. In addition, notice the Link
Texas Diamond operation) OD use for the internal E/W
movements to reduce unrealistic turns.
The example uses the cluster editor,
ring and barrier designer and Link OD
A complex diamond intersection volumes as done in the above example.
Diamond Lag Lag with lagging lefts at both No Also notice the unique coding of the
intersections EB and WB left turns. You can see
that the storage lane begins upstream
of the first intersection.

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Getting Started and What’s New (Updated October 24, 2011) Synchro Studio 8 and Warrants 8

HCM 2010
Computational
Sample File Name Description Notes
Engine 3.5
Compliant*
As with the other diamonds, this
example uses the cluster editor and
A complex diamond intersection ring and barrier designer. Also notice
Diamond w Front
where the ramps merge onto a No the merge and diverge points of the
Roads
frontage road ramps at the frontage road. The Lane
Alignment is used to keep movements
freely flowing.
This example uses common NEMA
Example using standard NEMA
Dual ring Yes phasing. Also notice the use of the
phasing
lagging NBL (phase 3).
This example includes 8 actuated
coordinated intersections operating on
Fixed Cycle Two coordinated arterial
Yes a fixed, system cycle length. The cycle
Coordination roadways
was determined by using the
Optimize> Network Cycle command.
The EBT movement never stops even
Example of an intersection with when the SBL phase operates. Notice
Florida T no peds No
a free through movement (EBT) the coding of the Lane Alignment at
the intersection.
Same as the above example but The EBT movement never stops
Florida T with peds No
includes a pedestrian phase unless a ped phase 7 is activated.
Notice use of Mandatory Stop on
Yellow in the Timing Settings. Also,
Gate_Stop on Yellow An example of a gate or a meter Not Applicable
the NW link is Hidden (see the Lanes
Settings Link is Hidden).
Complex coding for grouping
This is another example of grouped
Group Control 2 two intersections using one No
intersection with complex phasing.
controller
Similar to the Super-Street example,
An example of a Michigan Left however, main street lefts are not
Mich Left No
intersection allowed (they must proceed to the
median U-turn).
This example shows two roundabouts
at the terminal points at a diamond
Roundabouts (for An example with two
Yes interchange. It illustrates how
SimTraffic) roundabouts
simulating multiple roundabouts can
be done with SimTraffic.
This example also includes a portion
An example of a single point
Single Point No of the freeway showing the merge and
urban interchange (SPUI)
diverge areas.
In this example, the ring and barrier
Example showing coding with
Single Ring No designer was modified (Options> Ring
one ring (instead of dual ring)
and Barrier Designer)
Example that shows the queue Notice the high Queue Delay (Timing
Spillback blocking delay (Spillback) between No Settings) at node 1. This is due to
adjacent intersections vehicles spilling back from node 2 and

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HCM 2010
Computational
Sample File Name Description Notes
Engine 3.5
Compliant*
blocking node 1.
Notice the high Queue Delay at node
2. This is due to poor offsets starving
Example that show the queue
intersection 2. That is, node 2 EBT
Starvation delay (Starvation) between No
turns green, however, the vehicles are
adjacent intersections.
held back at node 1 causing unused
capacity.
In this example, a dummy intersection
is created on each end of the “bridge”.
Notice use of Hidden Link feature. The
intersections are clustered and operate
Example that illustrates a one-
Two way traffic control Not Applicable as phase 1 then 2 (thereby, only
lane bridge
allowing one direction at a time).
Notice the long all-red period that is
used to clear the traffic before the
opposing phase begins.
* The current version of Synchro 8.0 implements the HCM computational code (version 3.5).

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Synchro Studio 8 and Warrants 8 Getting Started and What’s New (Updated October 24, 2011)

Chapter 2 - What’s New in Synchro and SimTraffic

This section will summarize the changes between Synchro version 7 and version 8. Be sure to fully read this section if you
are a user of previous versions of Synchro.

Map View - Link Menu Options

Synchro 8 now includes additional options from the Link Menu. To access the Link Menu, right click on the link within the
Map View.

Right click on link to

access the Link Menu

Figure 1 Link Menu

The new options in the Link Menu include; Street Name Up, Move Street Name, Hide Street Name, Switch Diagram Position
and Move Volume Diagram.

Street Name Up
Choose the Street Name Up command to set the street name over or under the current link. If you move the street name over
the link, the menu will read Street Name Down.

Move Street Name

Choose the Move Street Name to move the street name along the street. The label or street name becomes highlighted.
When the mouse is placed over this label, it starts following the motion of the mouse until the left mouse is clicked.

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Hide/Show Street Name

Select the Hide Street Name or Show Street Name to hide/show the street name in Synchro and SimTraffic. The LANE
SETTINGS window has corresponding Link Is Hidden checkbox for each link (street). If the checkbox is checked, the link
is not visible.

Switch Diagram Position

Choose the Switch Diagram Position to move the diagram label over or below the current link.

Move Volume Diagram

Selecting the Move Volume Diagram option moves the diagram label along the street. The label becomes highlighted. When
the mouse is placed over this label, it starts following the motion of the mouse until the left mouse is clicked.

Switch Toolbar Position to Left or Right

To position the toolbar left/right, right click on the toolbar choose the menu Move to Left or Move to Right.

Figure 2 Switch Toolbar Position

Using Bing™ to Add a Background Image

Synchro 8 now allows the user to import images directly from Bing™. This feature will greatly assist in importing internet
based images and ensuring that the scaling is appropriate. It will also be useful to create a mosaic of images that will properly
align. The user will be able to hide/unhide images of interest to help keep the PC memory footprint reasonable. To use this
option, an internet connection must be available during the import (not necessary after the image is captured).
In a new or existing Synchro file, use the command select FileSelect Background (see Figure 3) and select the Use
Bing™ Aerials button.

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Synchro Studio 8 and Warrants 8 Getting Started and What’s New (Updated October 24, 2011)

Use Bing(tm) Aerials button

Figure 3 Select Background Dialog

After selecting the Use Bing™ Aerials button, there is a new window Get Map dialog (see Figure 4) that uses Bing™ (aka
Virtual Earth) to:
 navigate the world map,
 set the reference between the map and the Synchro file by setting a pair of reference points on the Bing™ map and
the Synchro file,
 choose area boundaries and save the image to a bitmap,
 add the selected image as the Synchro background.
To navigate the map to find a desired location, you may use pan and zoom, type an address or enter the name of a place of
interest in the search input line and conduct the search.

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Get Map Dialog Options

A B C D E F

Enter street
address or place
of interest to zoom
to location

Bing(tm) Pan and

Zoom controls

Figure 4 Get Map Dialog

A. Set Reference
After pressing the Set Reference menu (“A” in Figure 4), click the mouse on the Bing™ map to choose a reference point.
You will see a pushpin on the selected point followed by a Set Synchro Reference Point window. Select a corresponding
point on the Synchro MAP View or to manually enter a World Coordinate (see Figure 5). The Map and Synchro points will
denote the same geographic point to tie the world map to the Synchro coordinates.

If you have a current Synchro

Pan and Zoom network drawn, click on a base
controls intersection in this area to set the
Synchro coordinate for the World
Coordinate

If no Synchro network has been

created, manually enter your
desired World Coordinate

The Bing(tm) Map reference point

will be set to match the World
Coordinate established in this step

Figure 5 Set Synchro Reference Point Dialog

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B. Set Boundaries
Press the Set Boundaries menu (“B” in Figure 4) and choose the 1st and 2nd boundary points and set their position on the
Bing™ map by clicking the mouse in the opposite corners of the desired map location. The boundary points will be shown as
red pushpins and will mark the map area to be converted to the background image.

C. Preview Selection and Image Zoom

Press the Preview Selection menu (“C” in Figure 4) to preview the map and adjust its scale by clicking on Image Zoom
menu and choosing Zoom In/Zoom Out (see Step D). Bing™ does not provide the maximum zoom for all locations, so
previewing the map and using Zoom Out if necessary may guarantee that the map will be saved correctly to the background
image.

D. Image Zoom
After choosing the Preview Selection menu, use the Image Zoom  Zoom Out or Image Zoom  Zoom In to achieve the
desired image scale. If Zoom In is not available, then the image is at the closest zoom possible for the area. Using the Zoom
Out will give a lower resolution (quality) image, however the file size will be reduced. If you use the highest quality (fully
zoomed in) option, the file size of the image will be higher and it will take longer to download the image(s).

E. Save Selection
Select the Save Selection menu to save the selected map area to a single JPG or multiple JPG files. There may be certain
restrictions to the size of a single image file, so saving to the multiple files allows one to create a background for a bigger
map area. The program automatically creates a folder with a set of the multiple image files to cover the selected background
image.

F. Show Map
The Show Map menu will return to the Bing™ world map to select a different area to be converted to the background image.

Lane Settings

Link is Hidden
The LANE SETTINGS screen has a Link Is Hidden checkbox for
each link (street). If the checkbox is checked, the corresponding
link is not visible.
Synchro requires a node to have 3 links before it is considered an intersection (allowing signal timing). This Link is Hidden
option can be useful for locations where you require the node to be an intersection. The dummy link could be hidden since it
will have no lanes or volumes. For example, a mid-block ped crossing, gate or ramp meter could use this option.

Hide Street Name in Node Title

The LANE SETTINGS window has a Hide Name in Node Title checkbox for each link (street). If the checkbox is checked,
the corresponding street name is not used in the node title. The street name will still be visible in the MAP VIEW unless you
use the Link Menu command to hide/show the street name.

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Check the Hide Name

in Node Title to
suppress a
streetname in the
Title.

In this example, the

street name
"Driveway" is hidden
in the title.

Figure 6 Hide Name in Node Title

Mandatory Stop on Yellow

Traditionally, SimTraffic will allow at least two vehicles to proceed during a signal phase, even if the Total Split is set to 3
seconds. In some instances, it is desirable to create a dummy intersection to meter traffic (i.e., allow 1 vehicle to proceeds
every X seconds). This could be useful for modeling security gates, ramp meters, etc.
To do this, check the Mandatory Stop on Yellow at the bottom of the
NODE SETTINGS. This will allow only one simulated vehicle to pass
through a short green signal. No sneaker vehicles will be allowed during the yellow interval.

Time Tracker in Synchro

The Time tracker is used to count the time spent on a Synchro project.
When a new or existing project is opened, the Time Tracker window
prompts for the user name input to start time counting. A user can s a new
name or, clicking on the arrow at the right side of name editor select an
existing name from the list of the users that already used Time Tracker for
this project. After input of the name, time tracker starts counting the time.
Time tracker is shown on the Synchro window as a button and two time
displays – current session time and total time spent on this project.
Time tracker has three states as described below.

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Counting State

In this state Time Tracker is counting time. If you press the Time Tracker button, Time Tracker will switch to the paused
state and will not count time.

Paused State

In this state Time Tracker is not counting time. If you press the Time Tracker button, Time Tracker will switch to the
counting state and will start counting time.

Disabled State

In this state Time Tracker does not count time and does not show the Time Tracker window when the project is opened. To
set Time Tracker in disabled state for a project, open the project and, after the Time Tracker window appears, click “Disable”
button or close the Time Tracker window without typing a name. To exit the disabled state, click on the Time Tracker button
and, after the Time Tracker window appears, type your name or select an existing name from the user list, and press the OK
button.
To see and print the Time Tracker statistics, choose “Create ” from “File” menu and select “Time Tracker” report.

Scenario Manager Dialog

The Scenario Manager is used to populate the report header and footer information. In the past, updating the Scenario
Manager for a new file (scenario) was often overlooked. In version 8, the Scenario Manager dialog window appears when
you save a Synchro project with another name as well as when you create a new Synchro project.

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Increase Cycle and Split Times

In previous versions of Synchro, the Cycle was limited to 900 seconds and the Maximum Split to 840 seconds. In some
instances, a long cycle can be useful to model dummy intersections that can stop traffic for an extended period of time. The
Cycle Length in the NODE SETTINGS and the Maximum Split in the PHASE SETTINGS may now have values up to
3000 sec (50 min). The Cycle Length should not exceed 3000 seconds.
Two examples for using this would be a draw bridge or rail crossing. At the location of the stop, create a dummy intersection
(create a T-intersection). Keep in mind that this dummy link can be hidden. Then enter a phase for the main street (say phase
1) and a Hold phase

Changes for HCM 2010

In the icon bars there is a new “HCM 2010” button. Pressing it will show two windows – “HCM 2010 INTERSECTION”
and “HCM 2010 SETTINGS”. “HCM 2010 INTERSECTION” shows the node description and the HCM 2010 node
parameters. “HCM 2010 SETTINGS” shows input parameters for individual approaches and movements that affect HCM
calculations and the most important output results (LOS, delays, etc.) based on HCM 2010 methodologies. Synchro 8 models
the following HCM 2010 methods:
 Signalized intersections based on Chapter 18 and 31 of the HCM. All three modes, auto, pedestrian, and
bicycle, are available to the user. Figures 7, 8, and 9 depict each of the output screens based on the new
2010 HCM signalized intersection methods.
 Two-Way Stop Control (TWSC) intersections based on Chapter 19 and 32 of the HCM. Figure 10
depicts the HCM 2010 output screen for the auto mode. Effect from signalized intersections is not
currently considered within Synchro. A future build release will contain the necessary modifications to
account for nearby signalized intersections.
 All-Way Stop Control (AWSC) intersections based on Chapter 20 and 32 of the HCM. Figure 11 depicts
the HCM 2010 output screen based on the auto mode.
 Roundabouts based on Chapter 21 and 33 of the HCM. Figure 12 depicts the HCM 2010 output screen
based on the auto mode.

In the “Create Report” window (File/Create Report menu), new report types are now available for each of the HCM 2010
methodologies noted above.

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Figure 7 2010 HCM Signalized Intersection Auto Mode Screen

Figure 8 2010 HCM Signalized Intersection Pedestrian Mode Screen

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Figure 9 2010 HCM Signalized Intersection Bicycle Mode Screen

Figure 10 2010 HCM TWSC Auto Mode Screen

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Figure 11 2010 HCM AWSC Auto Mode Screen

Figure 12 2010 HCM Roundabout Auto Mode Screen

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Show Movement LOS Labels

A new “LOS” button has been added to the Synchro tool bar (the last row). If you click on it, you will see the LOS value
labels for each movement.

Show LOS for the

Intersection button

New: Show LOS

by movement
button

Figure 13 Show LOS by Movement on Map

Default Detector Settings

Synchro 7 introduced a Defaults.syn file that allows users to create their own specific default parameters. Version 8 now
expands on this and allows the ability to create defaults for Detector Settings. In addition, the user can load defaults from any
previously created Synchro file.
The default detector settings are saved in the same defaults.syn file as all other default values. To load Detectors Templates
you have to press Defaults in the Detector Template Editor and set the check box Load Detector Templates. After that you
can use the saved default detector settings from defaults.syn or choose a Synchro file to load those templates. Also you can
load Network Defaults by setting the “Load Network Defaults” checkbox.

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Figure 14 Load Defaults Dialog (in Detector Template)

The same Load Defaults window will appear if you press “Defaults” button in the Network Settings window.

Figure 15 Load Defaults Dialog (in Network Settings)

Street Name and Volume Label Backgrounds

In Options Map-Settings, Background now includes a Visible checkbox. If it is checked, each street name and volume
label will be drawn over a rectangle of the background color to be more readable over the background bitmap. If not checked,
the street names and volume labels will be drawn without this rectangle (see Figure 16).

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Background Visable Checked Background Visable Unchecked

Figure 16 Background Visible in Map Settings

Zoom in the Report Preview

A Zoom control has been added to the Report Preview window to preview the report using a bigger or smaller scale.

Figure 17 Report Preview Zoom Control

Print Window Preview

A new Preview button has been added to the Print Window dialog (File Print-Preview) in Synchro (including printing map
and Time-Space diagram) and SimTraffic. By pressing the Preview button, you can preview the print output before printing.
In the preview window you can zoom the image, start printing or return back to the printing settings.

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Figure 18 Print Window Dialog Options

New Report Header Option

A new placeholder ‘%short_filename%’ for the Header or Footer has been added to the Create Report and Print Window
dialog. In contrast to %filename% placeholder, it will type the file name of the Synchro file without the full path.

Screen Recorder in SimTraffic

A new feature to record the SimTraffic animation is now included. To create a video, choose the Record Video button on the
upper-ride side of the SimTraffic toolbar.

After selecting the Record Video button, the Video Recorder Settings dialog will appear. The upper left of the dialog
include Predefined Settings. You can select one of the three options for a larger or smaller file. The larger file will be larger
in size, but will have a better video quality. The actual size of the video depends on the length of the recording. It is
suggested that you try smaller formats first and move up to improve quality as needed.
The user can also adjust the Video Play Speed that will be recorded. Select the speed that you desire the animation to be
recorded.
The three options will use predetermined settings for Screen Size, Frames per second, choice of video (for local machine or
web) and Video Quality. These values can be modified to meet the desired needs.
Once the settings are determined, use the [Select] button to browse to a directory and enter a filename. The format will be a
Window Media Video (WMV) file. Finally, choose the [Generate] button to create your video.

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Figure 19 SimTraffic Video Recorder Settings Dialog

Enable 3D File Button

A new button “3D” was added to the icon bar of SimTraffic. It has two states showing if a s3d file will be created during the
simulation. This button doubles the menu Animate Create 3D graphics file. If a user enables the writing of s3d file, a
warning dialog is shown telling “A large 3D file will be created during simulation recording” to give the user a choice to
continue or cancel.

Create SSAM Export

In SimTraffic, there is a new Animate Create SSAM Export. If this option is checked, SimTraffic creates a *.trj file
during the simulation recording. This file describes the position of the vehicles throughout the simulation. It is a binary file
compatible with FHWA’s Surrogate Safety Assessment Model (SSAM). SSAM can be used to analyze the frequency of
narrowly averted vehicle-to-vehicle collisions.
There are several points that may be discussed and adjusted:
1. Vehicle speed is in km/h or mph depending if the system is metric or not.
2. Time period is 0.5 sec

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Chapter 3- What’s New in 3D Viewer

This section will summarize the changes between 3D Viewer version 7 and version 8. Be sure to fully read this section if you
are a user of previous versions of 3D Viewer.

New Model Categories

Upon selecting the “Add Model” button, two new Model Categories will be available to the user. “Basic Shapes” includes
several simple shapes that be added to a scene based. For example, the left or rights slope shapes could be used to construct
an abutment for an overpass. Another new category, “Columns and Pillars” has also been added for users to select from.
These models, for example, can be used for bridge supports.

Adding a Model Object to the Scene

Press “Add Model” button. A new “Models Preview” window appears showing the available model categories such as
“Office Buildings”, “Residential”, “Roadway Items” and so on. Choose a category and scroll the list of the model using the
scroll control or press the left mouse button and pan the list to right or left. Select a model by clicking on it with the left or
right mouse button. If you hold the right mouse button and move the mouse up/down or right/left, the selected model will
rotate around the vertical or horizontal axis to allow see it from all sides.
To add the selected model to the scene, press the “Add” button, or click twice with the left mouse on the model.

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Selecting an Object
To select a vehicle you need to point the mouse cursor on the vehicle and press the left mouse button.
To select a model object (any object besides vehicles, pedestrians and roads) you need hold the “Shift” key, point on the
object with the mouse cursor, and press the left or right mouse button.
A selected object will be enclosed in a red ribbed cube.

Changing the Size of a Model

To change the size of a selected model object, hold “Shift” key and rotate the mouse wheel. The model object will be
proportionally increased or diminished. To make the size change slower, hold “Ctrl” key.
Also, you can change length, width and height of a selected object using Models pane by editing L, W and H values.

Adding a Custom Model in 3ds Format

In the “Models Preview” window, there is a button “Import Models”. You can browse for an existing .3ds file to include in
the list of the “Custom Models” category.

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A New Button for the Tour Panel – Filming

The Filming button becomes enabled in the record mode and has the two states – “pause filming” and “resume filming”.

1. When “pause filming” is pressed, the current frame is recorded, but no other frame will be recorded until “resume
filming” is pressed. So we can move in space and time without recording anything.

2. When “resume filming” is pressed, the current frame is recorded and it will record any changes in the camera
position and vehicle selection. When the tour file will be played back, the program will make a smooth transition
between recorded points, for example, between the points when “pause filming” and “resume filming” were pressed.

Generate Digital Video Parameters

After pressing “Generate Digital Video” button, the window “Generate Digital Video” appears.
This window has several new parameters.

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Predefined settings
A user can choose from three predefined settings “Larger file size”, “Medium file size” and “Smaller file size”.

Parameters
The user should choose the appropriate attribute related to video screen size, frames per second and video quality.

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Chapter 4 - What’s New in Warrants

Support for 2009 MUTCD
Warrants 8 now includes support for the following warrant methods:
 The year 2009 Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) warrants
 The year 2003 Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) warrants
 The year 2007/2010 California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices warrants

Revision to Warrant 4 for 2009 Methods

The 2009 Federal MUTCD includes a significant change in Warrant 4, the Pedestrian Volume Warrant and is based on an
extensive NCHRP research study. The 2003 Warrant required that two criteria be met in order to satisfy Warrant 4. The
2009 Warrant includes two new criteria that are based on a combination of vehicular and pedestrian volumes for either 4-
hours or a single peak hour, and only one of the criteria needs to be met.

Figure 20 2009 Federal Warrant 4

Addition of New Warrant 9 for 2009 Methods

This is a new warrant within the 2009 Federal MUTCD for Intersections near a Highway-Rail Grade Crossing. This warrant
is for use at locations where the proximity of the intersection to a highway-rail grade crossing is the principal reason to
consider installing a traffic control signal, and other warrants are not met.

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Figure 21 2009 Federal Warrant 9

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