Simple Cellular Automaton Traffic Simulation

Recently, I developed a simple cellular automaton (CA) program in MATLAB for simulating multi-lane traffic scenarios. The implementation includes various utility functions that facilitate comprehensive analysis of traffic flow behavior. Cellular automata serve as powerful mathematical modeling tools applicable across multiple domains including transportation, geographic information systems, and social sciences. This simulation program models vehicle movements on roadways, incorporating behaviors such as acceleration, deceleration, and lane-changing maneuvers. The core algorithm utilizes state transition rules where each cell represents a road segment, with vehicles moving according to predefined velocity and spacing parameters. Key functions include updateVehiclePosition() for movement logic, checkLaneChangeConditions() for lateral movements, and calculateTrafficDensity() for performance metrics. By adjusting program parameters such as vehicle density, maximum speed limits, and lane-changing probabilities, users can simulate various traffic conditions including congestion scenarios and narrow roadway situations. The modular code structure allows easy extension for additional features like traffic signals or driver behavior variations. Overall, this program provides valuable insights into traffic flow dynamics and supports road design optimization for enhanced capacity and safety.