Summary of New Features in SI5
Here is a summary of new features in SIDRA INTERSECTION 5:
- Much improved roundabout and other intersection layout pictures.
- Extensive user interface improvements, including:
- a more intuitive intersection geometry configuration method;
- automatic lane discipline adjustments when intersection geometry or movement definitions are changed;
- slip and continuous lane movements set automatically according to lane type specifications;
- smaller number of input dialogs;
- approaches & lanes data, roundabout data and movement definitions merged in the new "Geometry" dialog;
- additional functions for faster data entry and processing in various dialogs;
- easier access to Detailed Output tables and Graphs; and
- clearer reporting of input and processing errors.
- New templates including:
- freeway diamond interchange,
- freeway ramp metering signals,
- Pelican pedestrian crossing signals,
- all-pedestrian phase at signalised intersection.
- Modified Project file management and program control (Save function re-introduced, multiple sessions allowed).
- Enhanced method for copying and pasting tables from output reports (including Detailed Output report) into Word and Excel.
- Various model improvements including timing method for roundabout metering analysis.
- A number of SIDRA UTILITIES (incorporating API applications) such as Input Comparison and Output Comparison programs. See UTILITIES & API.
- Much extended API method to enable access to most input and output data.
- Updated User Guide.
Download: SI5 Update Notes
Notes
- You can install Version 5 and use it without affecting Version 4 installation.
- The Project file format is the same for Versions 4 and 5 (sip extension) and a file created by one version can be used in the other. However, if you run both versions of the program at the same time, you should not open the same Project file in both sessions.
Important Changes to User Interface To Be Noted by Users of Version 4
- Save function has been introduced. This means there is no automatic saving.
Don’t forget to SAVE frequently as you work with this version.
- Process button is available in each input dialog. Do not use it until all input preparation is complete.
- Approaches & Lanes dialog is now the Geometry dialog. Data have been reorganised with tabs within the dialog.
- Roundabout Data dialog no longer exists. Basic Roundabout Data are given in the Geometry dialog.
- Movement Definitions are now given in the Geometry dialog.
- The new Geometry dialog solves the following difficulties with previous versions:
- Lane Disciplines are adjusted automatically after changes to intersection geometry and Movement Definitions. Lane Discipline errors may still result but these are identified in the dialog.
- Slip-lane and continuous-lane movements are set automatically from lane specifications.
- Movement Type and Control data have been removed from the Movement Data dialog. These are now set automatically. Approach Control parameter has been introduced in the Geometry dialog for two-way sign control cases for this purpose.
- Various other changes have been made to the input dialog nodes in the Project tree:
- Some dialogs have been renamed, e.g. Advanced Model Settings dialog is now called Model Settings.
- Cost dialog no longer exists. Cost Parameters are now given in the Model Settings dialog.
- New command buttons in the Pedestrians dialog help to remove or include all pedestrians easily.
- New command buttons in the Sequence Data dialog for signals help to apply settings to all sequences easily.
- For data fields with check boxes, the word “Program” will appear in the blocked data field if the program-determined solution applies when unchecked. When checked, the default (or user-specified) value will be displayed where applicable.
- Input dialogs now display the Site name in the dialog header.
- For Two-Way Stop or Giveway / Yield Sites, options "E-W Major Road / N-S Major Road" are available similar to the Convert options (other directions not relevant to New Site).
- Detailed Output report:
- Tabbed window for selecting tables has been removed. Use the links at the top of the report. Use the links at the bottom of each table to go to the top of the report.
- The tables can now be copied and pasted in MS Word.
- Graphs: Tabbed window for selecting graphs is now in a fixed (docked) position.
- Message Console has been removed. Each error message appears in an individual message box.