Dynamic traffic origin-destination estimation using Kalman filter: an application to beltway network with VMS control

Dynamic traffic origin-destination estimation has received increasing attention in recent years due to its grate technological and economic advantages. In this paper, a Kalman filter model for estimating and updating dynamic OD flows for beltway network is presented. The uniqueness of the model is the use of path flows as state variables instead of OD flows, this treatment avoids the likely biases inherent in various traffic assignment procedures. Preliminary testing of the model shows encouraging results, however, more extensive testing is still necessary. Simulation output is used in generating time dependent traffic mapping matrix, additional studies need to be conducted to find out if this would be applicable to the scenario of real-world of considerable size.