MPC
Research Projects (2002-03)

Identifying Number

MPC-231

Project Title

Automated Data Collection, Analysis, and Archival

University

University of Utah

Project Investigator

Peter T. Martin
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801)581-7144
martin@civil.utah.edu

External Project Contact

N/A

Project Objective

To identify the data needs within the Utah Department of Transportation (i.e. planning, traffic and safety, pavement management, ITS, TOC). To identify the data needs outside the Utah Department of Transportation (i.e., WFRC, Salt Lake City/County, Universities). To determine the process for internal/external uses. To establish a data collection database process. To determine the process to display the data.

Project Abstract

Traffic Monitoring Stations (TMS) are a component of the ATMS. TMS collect traffic volumes, speed and density from the Interstate system. These devices are located each ½ mile, on each lane, of the interstate system in the Salt Lake Valley. Presently the Utah Department of Transportation does not collect nor store this information. Traffic operations, pavement management, traffic and safety and the planning divisions require this information. The research project will produce a report which will investigate data collection, analysis and archival. The first task of this study is to identify the needs of all potential internal and external users. Literature searches will be employed to identify methods used in other states. A proto-type database will be developed to verify that data is collected, and is retrievable in a useful format.

Task Descriptions

• Task 1 – Conduct literature search on data archival.
• Task 2 – Determine the data collection needs within/outside the Utah Department of Transportation.
• Task 3 – Develop concept report to collect data, archive data and provide display option.
• Task 4 – Develop software prototype to test system concept.

Milestones, Dates

• Starting Date: July 1, 2002
• Project Milestones:
• Ending Date: June 30, 2003

Yearly and Total Budget

$80,000

Student Involvement

Four graduate students will be supported for one year, 1 PhD dissertation and 1 MS thesis.

Relationship to Other Research Projects

N/A

Technology Transfer Activities

Workshop; Publication in both peer-reviewed and professional journals.

Potential Benefits of the Project

Improve the quality of data so it will be used.

• Enable the data to be disseminated to a variety of users; ITS, TOC, T&S, Planning, MPO's, Cities.
• Provide detailed recommendations for archival, 5 minute granularity, and real-time web access.

TRB Keywords

Traffic management, intelligent transportation systems, advanced traffic management systems, traffic signal systems