Using Social Networking Sites to Communicate Model Results

1
Using Social Networking Sites to Communicate
Model Results

• Presented to
• AMPO Travel Modeling Work Group
• October 1-2, 2009
• Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
• Presented by
• Guy Rousseau
• Atlanta Regional Commission

2
Where? Why? How?

• Where? www.youtube.com/ARCModeling
• (real-time live demo to follow)
• Why? / How?
• YouTube is a FREE hosting site
• It is EASY to use (just ask any teenager)
• It accommodates large model simulation files up
  to 2 GB in size, up to 10 minutes in length
• Good resolution, HighDef available
• 1280 x 720 (16x9 HD) 640 x 480 (43 SD)
• No need to carry around large files on thumb
  drives to install, all you need is an active
  internet online connection

3
File Formats to Upload

• Windows Media Video (.WMV)
• .3GP (cell phones)
• .AVI (windows) typically used in model
  simulations like VISSIM, TRANSIMS, etc
• .MOV (mac)
• .MP4 (ipod/psp)
• .MPEG
• .FLV (adobe flash)
• .MKV (h.264)

4
.avi File Processor

• Many processors are available
• Aurigma AVI processor is available for free
  download at
• http//www.sharewareconnection.com/aurigma-avi-pr
  ocessor.htm
• You can write .avi files yourself
• Enumerate frames, save as JPEG
• You can add sound track
• Its almost like making a cartoon

5
This is what it looks like
6
Usage Applications

• Is it safe? YES, as it is password-protected, no
  one can mess with your site files..unless
  you get hacked!
• It can be used at public meetings, so long as the
  hosting sites firewall allows social networking
  websites

7
Conclusion / Lessons Learned

• It is only a tool
• It can be used to convey complex model results
  into an animation format to the public, MPO/COG
  Board members, etc.
• It is only an end-result, and the very last step
  of what can be a long and data intensive
  micro-simulation process

8
Questions/Comments

• Demo of
• www.youtube.com/ARCModeling