Use of Mobile Data for Weather- Responsive Traffic Management Models

The evolution of telecommunications and wireless technologies has brought in new sources of traffic data (particularly mobile data generated by vehicle probes), which could offer a breakthrough in the quality and extent of traffic data. This study reviews the Weather-Responsive Traffic Management (WRTM) models which were developed in previous Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funded weather-related projects and identifies the components within WRTM framework where mobile data could be incorporated, mainly, (i) supply-side model calibration; (ii) demand-side calibration; (iii) model validation; and (iv) on-line implementation. This report summarizes the unique properties of mobile data in contrast to traditional traffic data, particularly regarding its much wider geographic coverage and travel time information. The different types of mobile data which could be offered from major vendors are also discussed. The study finds that vehicle trajectory data serves best for the purpose of improving WRTM models, from calibration of supply and demand side relations and model validation to the case of the on-line Traffic Estimation and Prediction System (TrEPS) implementation. A framework for how to implement the integration of mobile data and WRTM models was also developed. In this project the process of following the framework and incorporating mobile data into WRTM models is demonstrated by a case study. DYNASMART (DYnamic Network Assignment-Simulation Model for Advanced Road Telematics), a dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) simulation-based TrEPS, is selected for this study. Vehicle trajectory data, collected by vehicles equipped with TomTom Global Positioning System (GPS) devices circulating in New York City area during a two-week period, are also used.

  • Record URL:
  • Corporate Authors:

    Science Applications International Corporation

    8301 Greensboro Drive
    McLean, VA  United States  22102

    Delcan

    1 Centerpointe Drive, Suite 210
    La Palma, CA  United States  90623-2524

    Northwestern University, Evanston

    Transportation Center, 600 Foster Street
    Evanston, IL  United States  60208-4055

    Department of Transportation

    Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office
    1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
    Washington, DC  United States  20590

    Federal Highway Administration

    Office of Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
    Washington, DC  United States  20590

    Research and Innovative Technology Administration

    ITS - Joint Program Office
    1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
    Washington, DC    20590
  • Authors:
    • Mahmassani, Hani
    • Mudge, Richard
    • Hou, Tian
    • Kim, Jiwon
  • Publication Date: 2012-10-18

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Digital/other
  • Edition: Final Report
  • Features: Appendices; Figures; Maps; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 92p

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01495433
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-JPO-13-003
  • Contract Numbers: DTFH61-06-D-00005, Task T-11-020
  • Files: NTL, TRIS, RITA, ATRI, USDOT
  • Created Date: Oct 15 2013 2:29PM