Real-Time Traffic Measurement from Single Loop Inductive Signatures

Accurate traffic data acquisition is essential for effective traffic surveillance, which is the backbone of advanced transportation management and information systems (ATMIS). Inductive loop detectors (ILDs) are still widely used for traffic data collection in the United States and many other countries. Three fundamental traffic parameters—speed, volume, and occupancy—are obtainable via single or double (speed-trap) ILDs. Real-time knowledge of such traffic parameters typically is required for use in ATMIS from a single loop detector station, which is the most commonly used. However, vehicle speeds cannot be obtained directly. Hence, the ability to estimate vehicle speeds accurately from single loop detectors is of considerable interest. In addition, operating agencies report that conventional loop detectors are unable to achieve volume count accuracies of more than 90% to 95%. The improved derivation of fundamental real-time traffic parameters, such as speed, volume, occupancy, and vehicle class, from single loop detectors and inductive signatures is demonstrated.