National evacuation module

Developed by: Omnitrans International BV in cooperation with University of Twente and HKV (consultant on water management) for Ministry of Transport and Public Works (NL)
Client: Local and regional authorities
Country: The Netherlands
Agent: -
Project year: 2008

Over 75 percent of the National GDP is generated in the western area of the country, which is completely located below sea-level. A total of 95 so-called ‘dike-rings' prevent key areas from flooding and protection is regulated on a central base by the national department for Transport and Public Works. While the chances of flooding are minimised by these dikes and other embankments, the risks remain large due to the high economic value that many of these areas have. In recent years there has been an increasing focus on what the effects of flooding might be, with an associated interest in evacuation modelling.

Together with the University of Twente and HKV, Omnitrans International has developed a tool that is used by local and regional authorities for development and simulation of policy on evacuation.

The core of the tool comprises the MaDAM dynamic traffic assignment algorithm. Given a flooding scenario (derived from external models), MaDAM is used to determine traffic flows for both preventive and acute evacuation. The model incorporates congestion modelling and supports a range of traffic management measures (including reverse-laning, changes in capacity).

The model is integrated with a custom made web application and runs completely automatically. OmniTRANS Real Time does all the modelling and sends automatically generated reports to external parties for further analysis. Data is exchanged using a MYSQL database with direct linkage to the OmniTRANS model.

The model is currently used by 4 regions and was used during nationwide evacuation exercises called ‘Waterproef', which were held in the first week of November 2008.

For more information, please contact Erik de Romph.