Category: Adaptive Simulation, SmartPath
Topic: Adaptive Simulation vs SmartPath
Answer: The SmartPath tool generates simulations according to the user-defined constant speed or turning radius.
Meanwhile, Adaptive Simulation follows a pre-drawn path geometry as a centreline path or calculated (left side or right side) offset path, and does not account for speed, lateral friction, superelevation, or steering wheel turn rate. The path must be created using either a series of connected lines and arcs, or a single polyline (for AutoCAD) or a single complex chain (for MicroStation). Splines (for AutoCAD) and B-splines (for MicroStation) are also supported. To follow the path, Adaptive Simulation will allow a vehicle to maneuver under minimal speed conditions with the ‘turn wheel from stop’ option turned on. These turning simulations will only be limited by the vehicle’s steering ability according to the wheelbase, steering lock angle, and lock-to-lock time.
Another key difference between SmartPath tools and Adaptive Simulation is that only forward maneuvers are possible with Adaptive Simulation. Reverse maneuvers must be carried out using SmartPath tools.