Comparison of Emerging Traffic Data Collection Methods to Traditional Methods

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.