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Research & Model Development

Policy- and decision-making in our current complex and dynamic environment is challenging. It requires consideration of numerous alternatives and difficult trade-offs to address the many demands for limited public resources. The Oregon modeling program routinely develops and applies sophisticated analysis tools and processes to address issues and needs facing policy- and decision-makers and to integrate academic research and practical applications to produce useful analysis tools.

The OMC serves as the heart of a multi-disciplinary applied research program to help keep the Oregon modeling and analysis programs fresh and on the cutting edge. Modeling faculty and graduate students from all OTREC campuses are encouraged to participate in OMC sponsored research and applied project work and multidisciplinary research teams are actively supported. Currently, ODOT and Metro work closely with faculty at PSU to conduct applied research to expand the capabilities of existing and emerging analysis tools.

Active Research Projects

  • Revisions to the GreenSTEP statewide transportation greenhouse gas emissions model
  • Develop capability for advanced estimation and analysis of non-motorized travel
  • Enhancement for the Oregon Small Urban Models (OSUM) and Joint Estimation Model in R Code (JEMnR)
  • Research and development for new modeling procedures, such as dynamic traffic assignment and trip-chain models (simulations)
  • Refine and integrate land use scenario models [Land Use Scenario DevelopeR (LUSDR)] with transportation models for continued development and applications in small urban areas
  • Apply some of the seven Statewide Integrated Model (SWIM2) modules, such as the personal transport simulation module, to applications at the small city and urban area levels
  • Although SWIM applications are run by ODOT, the Collaboration is doing specific work on specific modules of SWIM to expand their individual use
  • Enhance the modeling tools available for freight and truck analysis