Multi-Point Assignment Are you using Multi-Point Assignment yet? If not, it is time to check it out. Multi-Point Assignment (MPA) allows the trips from each Traffic Analysis Zone (TAZ) to start and end at multiple locations. The benefits to assignment are obvious. The trips begin and end where true access points are, not just passing through the quickest centroid connector. Implementing MPA is as easy as establishing a file that describes the percentages of origins and destinations to each node that you are using for an access point. There are even automated tools for this in module 2.7.9) Equivalency file creator. Once created, the equivalency file can be exported as a link file and plotted for checking.

Multi-Point Assignment gives you better control over the assignment process, even if the zone structure is not conducive to good assignments. One recent model that TModel Corporation developed had an R² of 0.97 and RMSE of only 18% with the use of MPA. Without it, the R² was still good at 0.92 and the RMSE of was 29%. Imagine what it could do for your model. The new TMODEL3 DNA Editor makes it even easier. This editor now allows the input of the MPA file specification.

Bandwidth Plots You have probably noticed the plot that was inserted into this newsletter. It has been said that a plot is worth a thousand numbers. Then a better looking plot must be even better. You can now use shading for making bandwidth plots. The percentage shading is setup in the Terminal Configuration section 4.1. If you want to adjust the percentage of shading (which the authors recommend) set the shading parameter to 20. When plotting with LJ3, LJ4, LJ5, and DJC plotter model numbers the shading will be adjusted with the pen width. The selected pen width will control the amount of shading within the box. For example, a pen width of 1 gives 10% shading and a pen width of 3 gives 30% shading. Your first inclination may be to shade it 100%. You want the bandwidth filled, right? Wrong. The ink will drip right off the page with a 100% shading. You will want to experiment for yourself, but usually between 20% and 30% works best. Happy plots to you!

Memory Changes Is your model growing? New changes to the way that TMODEL2 uses memory allows an increase of about 3000 link entries with the same amount of memory. If all of these are two way links, this represents an increase of 6000 links! To top it off, the drawing and redraw speed is actually increased.

Many other smaller improvements were included in the latest update sent in April. You may observe that the version number of the update you have installed is now at the top of the Main Menu. This has been added to help with providing you with support. It helps us to know which version you are working with. The BBS (206-463-2133) has been revised to provide all of the update files in one archive - called TM2All.Zip. This is the same one that is on the website www.tmodel.com, but without the password. We make all updates to both the website and BBS at the same time. Check them out.