A practical framework for selecting pedestrian simulation tools in the Egyptian urban context

Abstract The growing complexity of urban environments has intensified the need for advanced simulation tools that support evidence-based design, particularly in modelling pedestrian and vehicular movement. While these tools have become integral to contemporary urban planning in many parts of the world, their implementation in developing countries remains uneven due to a combination of technical, economic, institutional, and cultural barriers. This study evaluates the applicability of 15 pedestrian and vehicular simulation platforms within the Egyptian urban design context. Employing a mixed-methods approach, comprising a theoretical review, comparative tool analysis, and a practitioner survey, the research identifies critical constraints faced by local designers, including high licensing costs, limited technical training, and the mismatch between standardized simulation assumptions and Egypt’s informal urban behaviors. The study introduces a classification framework and decision matrix to guide designers in selecting context-appropriate tools based on factors such as interoperability with AutoCAD/BIM, data availability, cost, and ease of use. Findings reveal a strong preference for tools that prioritize usability and adaptability over computational sophistication. By bridging global simulation technologies with local urban realities, this study offers a replicable model for tool selection and adaptation in similarly constrained or informally structured urban contexts, thereby contributing to more responsive, inclusive, and effective urban design practices.