LICENSE PLATE MATCHING SURVEYS: PRACTICAL ISSUES AND STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Abstract

This article attempts to assist survey planners in both the practical issues involved in conducting license plate matching surveys, and the needed statistical considerations for designing the survey and analyzing the survey results. Planning and conducting the survey is described including site visit, survey plan, manpower, weather, equipment, training, and data processing. The several mathematical/statistical considerations that should be evaluated are reviewed: selection of time interval to record data; number of plate characters to record; survey design; and the number of plates required for statistical analyses. Data analysis techniques are also discussed.