HCM-based (mesoscopic) analysis combines characteristics of both Sketch-level or macroscopic and Microsimulation (microscopic) analysis. Like Sketch-level or macroscopic analysis, the behavior of individual vehicles is based on the average speed on the segment and is not sensitive to changing relationships between traffic variables. Like Microsimulation (microscopic) analysis, vehicle classifications and driver behavior parameters are tied to individual vehicles. HCM-based (mesoscopic) analysis combines the properties of both microscopic and macroscopic simulation models. Queueing is considered on a segment-wide, not vehicle-specific, level. HCM-based (mesoscopic) analysis is used when the Sketch-level or macroscopic analysis does not capture enough detail, such as the impact of specific operational improvements or congestion levels.

HCM-based (mesoscopic) analysis is suitable for projects that need moderate level of detail; they need more input than Sketch-level or macroscopic tools and are useful for smaller study areas.