Evaluation of Portable Automated Data Collection Technologies: Final Report

Abstract

This report describes a project which evaluated portable automated traffic data collection systems. Using a series of field demonstrations, the systems that were evaluated included: 1) temporarily mounted microwave radar sensors intended to provide volume, speed, and/or length classification data for traffic census or various traffic studies; 2) similar sensors mounted on a semi-permanent basis and intended to serve as substitutes for loop detectors in traffic surveillance systems; and, 3) low-mounted infrared sensors used for axle counting. Focus of the field demonstrations was on the issues of sensor accuracy for all systems and the reliability of wireless transmission systems for semi-permanent installations.