Over the past few decades, the transportation modeling field has seen rapid and significant development in the application and implementation of new state-of-the-art information technologies that make it possible to simulate travel demand in urban areas in a graphical environment.
The Florida Statewide Model Task Force is interested in continuously enhancing the Florida Standard Model, called FSUTMS, with state-of-the-practice information technologies, modeling methodologies, and user functionality. With the recent transition of the FSUTMS software engine to Cube/Voyager, there was a need to define new conventions and guidelines for the information management system that would be adopted in the new FSUTMS powered by Cube/Voyager. This report documents the new information technology guidelines and conventions for FSUTMS and the plans for enhancing the FSUTMS user functionality, FSUTMS transit modeling capabilities, and survey data collection and analysis capabilities in the state. It is found that the modeling community in the state benefits greatly from the adoption of standard and consistent modeling procedures and database structures/formats while providing the flexibility needed to customize models in individual local areas. The guidelines and conventions are being implemented in FSUTMS powered by Cube/Voyager with a view to enhance the user-friendliness, robustness, and transparency of the model system. With the new technology guidelines and conventions being implemented in FSUTMS, it is envisioned that the modeling community will save time and resources in planning and modeling studies that utilize FSUTMS.