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VisionEval User Guide

5 Picking a Model

The VisionEval system is comprised of three models:

  • VERSPM (VisionEval Regional Strategic Planning Model) was developed by Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) as to support the preparation of metropolitan area scenario plans. This model operates largely at the zonal level (i.e. inputs and outputs are zone-based).
  • VE-State is a state level version of VERSPM. Like VERSPM, this model operates at the zonal level, but the zones are larger than their VERSPM counterparts.

5.1 Spatial Detail

One key distinction between the all VisionEval models is the level of spatial detail. In general, the VisionEval models with a greater level of spatial detail also require more effort for developing the model inputs. In picking a model, users should consider their needs in the context of this trade-off between spatial detail and development effort.

VERSPM was developed as a regional model for regional planning areas and MPOs. VERSPM models the region in zones (in a manner similar to traditional travel model zones), which results in improved spatial resolution of outputs, but which also increases the data development burden. The selection of the right tool therefore depends on a number of factors – available of data, project resources, desired spatial output detail, etc. Take a look at the VERSPM inputs, which has many inputs by Bzones.

VE-State was developed as an extension of the VERSPM model to enables users to apply the model for statewide applications. The main difference between the VERSPM and VE-State models is that a number of VERSPM inputs are specified at the Bzone level. Examples include numbers of dwelling units by type and numbers of jobs by sector. VE-State models run at a higher level of abstraction than VERSPM models and don’t have Bzone level inputs. Instead, the VE-State uses a process to synthesize Bzones.