Advantages of Using Innovative Traffic Data Collection Technologies

Accurate traffic data are essential for supporting a multitude of transportation-related decisions which affect transportation system operations, management, and planning. However, the lack of accurate and timely data is often cited as a common problem for both transportation practitioners and policy makers alike. This paper discusses the temporary use of advanced sensor technologies for collecting and presenting traffic data for supporting transportation system operations, It illustrates the use of video-based and radar-based traffic detection technologies. The range of applications included in this paper comprises site-specific traffic assessment, traffic signal operations, freeway performance evaluation, and highway work zones. In addition, the paper illustrates the significant value of video data in supporting transportation decisions among policy makers and the public. The paper covers two classes of advanced traffic detection sensors; the Autoscope Video Vehicle Detection system and Wavetronix SmartSensor Traffic Detector based on Digital Wave Radar. It discusses the potential applications, typical set up requirements, types of data generated by these systems, and the performance of these technologies under different traffic collection environments. The information contained in this paper is based on various traffic operations projects conducted at the Advanced Traffic Analysis Center at North Dakota State University. These projects range from analysis of school traffic safety to evaluating traffic operations during a major multi-year construction project along Interstate Highway 29 in Fargo.