There has been a growing interest in using anonymous tracking of wireless devices as a way to generate travel time and operational data cost-effectively. Unfortunately, there are relatively few independent quantitative evaluations of these systems. Evaluations that do exist are often not widely available, so agencies often enter into deployment agreements with a limited understanding of the abilities and limitations of this technology. This paper provides an overview of the results of past deployments of wireless probe monitoring systems. It also discusses a simulation study of the predominant type of system on the market today, handoff-based monitoring systems. Past deployments show that early-generation systems encountered significant problems in generating accurate speed estimates. More recent tests using handoff-based technology have shown improvement in data quality at some sites, but there are not enough data to characterize fully whether those systems can consistently provide useful operational data. The simulation study indicates that the way in which the cellular network topology overlays the roadway network could be a critical determinant of overall system effectiveness. Simulation results indicate that often with simulated handoff-based systems speeds can be estimated to within 5 mph.


    Access

    Download

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Wireless Location Technology–Based Traffic Monitoring


    Subtitle :

    Preliminary Recommendations to Transportation Agencies Based on Synthesis of Experience and Simulation Results


    Additional title:

    Transportation Research Record




    Publication date :

    2007-01-01




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    Probe-Based Traffic Monitoring Systems with Wireless Location Technology

    Fontaine, Michael D. / Smith, Brian L. | Transportation Research Record | 2005




    Investigation of the Performance of Wireless Location Technology-Based Traffic Monitoring Systems

    Fontaine, M. D. / Smith, B. L. | British Library Online Contents | 2007


    Wireless Location Technology-Based Traffic Monitoring: Critical Assessment and Evaluation of an Early-Generation System

    Smith, B. L. / Zhang, H. / Fontaine, M. D. et al. | British Library Online Contents | 2004