Transportation agencies use many traditional data collection methods (e.g., manual counts, pneumatic tubes, in-road sensors, radar sensors) as well as emerging data collection methods (e.g., unmanned aircraft systems, probe data, video image detection and processing) for traffic data collection. While traditional traffic data collection methods have provided trusted data for many years, there may be advantages to using emerging traffic data collection methods to supplement or replace existing methods. For example, emerging traffic data collection methods may reduce resources needed to operate and maintain detection devices in the field, provide more complete coverage and faster access to data, or offer advanced analytics to increase an agency’s ability to glean useful insights from the data. Because tradeoffs likely exist when assessing various traffic data collection methods, it is important to compare emerging data collection options to traditional methods and learn from agency experiences. This ENTERPRISE project gathered traffic data collection methods and details through a literature search and survey of transportation agencies. After information-gathering was complete, a comparison of emerging traffic data collection alternatives to traditional methods was conducted and documented.
Completed
State of the Art Roadway Sensors – Phase 1
Many vendors offer roadway sensors either embedded in pavements, non-intrusively within the road, or attached to infrastructure. These sensors gather data and/or communicate with vehicles to aid roadway operations. This effort seeks to understand existing and innovative types of commercially available intrusive and non-intrusive roadway sensors with an analysis of the potential applications, relevance, and drawbacks of each type. This effort considers sensors to be innovative if they are not widely used, either by being new to the transportation sector or not widely used by transportation agencies. Sensors of interest are examined in greater detail, such as identifying the ability of pavement to hold up structurally, operations and maintenance considerations, and placement of the sensors.
For this Phase 1 effort, this ENTERPRISE Pooled Fund Study project identified over 100 innovative sensors through a literature review, web search for industry products, and a survey of DOT practitioners. Identified sensors included those used within the transportation sector and other sectors including the defense, forestry, environmental, warehousing, and port sectors. Analysis of identified sensors included organization by possible use case areas (e.g., road weather, work zones, worker safety, asset condition, parking availability, and bicycle and pedestrian detection) and prioritization based on possible relevance and interest to DOTs. Use cases of data gathered by select, prioritized sensors document available information regarding deployment, operations, and maintenance considerations.
TPF-5(359) ENTERPRISE Phase II – Pooled Fund Final Report
Study Description
This TPF project was a continuation of the TPF-5(231) ITS Pooled Fund Program (ENTERPRISE) that began in 1991. Members contributed funds in support of ITS research projects to address specific problems that advanced the transportation technology programs in the member agencies. Members were from eight state departments of transportation across the U.S. and one Canadian transportation agency.
The final report describes the activities of ENTERPRISE Phase II technical activities performed between 2018 and 2021. Members identified, prioritized, and oversaw the research activities of 20 individual projects that all contributed to the seven objectives of the program.
- Objective #1: Investigate and promote Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) approaches and technologies that are compatible with other national and international ITS initiatives.
- Objective #2: Support the individual ITS program plans of ENTERPRISE participants.
- Objective #3: Provide a mechanism to support multi-state and international project cooperation and technical information interchange.
- Objective #4: Facilitate the formation of public-private partnerships for appropriate program activities.
- Objective #5: Pursue emerging ITS project opportunities in areas of interest to the group.
- Objective #6: Provide test beds in a variety of environments and locations for emerging ITS technologies.
- Objective #7: Identify common needs within the group and proceed with appropriate technical activities.
Wireless Tower Siting Guide
As wireless telecommunications expand their coverage and functionality, their role in transportation has become increasingly prevalent. In some instances, public agencies are installing towers for their own communications needs; in other instances, they are partnering with the private sector. Partnering can benefit transportation agencies and the public by:
- Increasing agency revenue for ITS procurement and other transportation needs;
- Supporting ITS deployment;
- Improving telecommunications coverage for the traveling public; and
- Enhancing rapid emergency/incident detection and response.
Regardless of whether wireless telecommunications infrastructure is developed along highway right-of-ways by the private sector through a shared resources arrangement or by the public sector for its own communication needs, there are numerous issues that needed to be considered and addressed to ensure the appropriate siting of wireless infrastructure. The reference guide that results from this research effort summarizes the important information in a practical, easy-to-use format.
This project allowed decision-makers to effectively address wireless tower siting issues, including:
- Safety
- Zoning
- Collocation
- Aesthetics
- Jurisdiction
- Coordination
- Tower/site dimensions
- Maintenance
- Ownership
- Interference
- Lighting
- RF emissions
- Access
- Liability
- Legislation
Project Duration: 1997 – 1999
Weather and Road Information Coordination (WRIC)
The integration of weather information collection and dissemination facilities, based on open, non-proprietary communications standards, was a logical step towards deployment of better systems for cost-effective highway maintenance and improved traveler information.
This project developed common specifications and promoted practical solutions for integrating weather information from Road and Weather Information Stations (RWIS) monitors, aviation weather sensors and other available sources. Standard formats are utilized for information exchange, making information available to users via existing and emerging traveler information systems. The objectives of the project helped to address and resolve institutional issues which constitute barriers to the creation of the necessary public-public and public-private partnerships.
Specifically, the results of WRIC were as follows:
- Organized, support and follow-up on a user needs and partnering workshop which provided input to all the ENTERPRISE states’ programs;
- Coordinated with and built on related work in other states;
- Examined the quantity and quality of weather information provided by R/WIS and aviation weather systems, either installed or scheduled to be throughout Iowa, Colorado and Arizona;
- Assessed the transferability of data produced by these systems to highway maintenance and traveler information applications;
- Reviewed institutional issues among public and private agencies regarding the operation and dissemination of data from these systems;
- Worked with participating states in resolving issues and moving forward with compatible, integrated solutions; and
- Contributed to and supported the development and acceptance of protocol(s) for transmitting weather information between sensors and data fusion points, and between multiple collection and dissemination centers.
The WRIC project supported the state of Minnesota’s needs for procuring R/WIS vendors. In addition, standards development agencies were invited to participate, and the results were fed to the standards agencies actively working on standards development.
Project Duration: 1995-1996
Visibility Monitoring
Preventing dust storms through environmental control strategies is a long-term solution that is not easy to implement. A more deployable safety measure is warning drivers in advance of a reduced visibility area. Traditional visibility warning systems that have been deployed to date are point sensors that must be very numerous and placed in precise
locations to be effective. The ENTERPRISE Visibility Warning project helped to develop technology that addresses the problem at a much lower cost.
This project received ITS IDEA funding. The funds were used to develop the sensor technology that is the basis for a visibility monitoring system. Arizona conducted the project, with ENTERPRISE providing support and technical expertise as needed.
The following tasks helped make the project a success:
- Identified and evaluated current approaches and technologies for providing 511
traveler information to rural areas; - Identified the most cost effective approaches to maximize use of available funding; and
- Addressed organizational issues, business models, and institutional barriers and
developed standards common to all states.
This project facilitated the development of an ENTERPRISE project titled Dynamic Messaging for Low Visibility Events.
Project Duration: 1999-2000