Level 2 – Mesoscopic Analysis
Mesoscopic analysis is generally performed on large sections of urbanized areas. Mesoscopic analysis takes into account a more detailed network and includes additional parameters describing the details of intersections and merges. Instead of aggregate flows of vehicles throughout a time period we consider groups of vehicles that are traveling together in platoons. The analysis is performed at much smaller intervals even considering the condition of the network every second throughout a peak period.

The output from a mesoscopic model can provide detailed routes that vehicles take through the network, including estimates of turning movements. Network conditions like speeds and delays at the intersections can be generated.

Level 3 – Microscopic Analysis
Microscopic analysis is performed at the most detailed level.  Typically, microscopic analysis is used to simulate downtown cores, defined roadway corridors, or small sub-areas of a region. Microscopic analysis takes into account the behavior of every vehicle several times a second. The network is very detailed and all aspects of traffic can be taken into account. This includes automobiles, trucks, buses, rail, bicycles, and pedestrians. The interaction that vehicles have with each other, traffic control, and other types of network users (for instance, bikes and pedestrians) are all considered in detail.

The output from a microscopic model provides the most detailed results. The output can contain numerous measures of how the network is performing including: speeds, travel times, delays, number of stops, and many others.