On the value of relative flow data

Abstract Traffic flow can be described using three dimensions, i.e., space x, time t and cumulative flow N. This study considers estimating the cumulative flow over space and time, i.e., N ( x , t ) , using relative flow data collected by stationary and moving observers. Stationary observers, e.g., loop-detectors, can observe flow at fixed position over time. Furthermore, automated or other equipped and connected vehicles can serve as moving observers that observe flow relative to their position over time. To present the value of relative flow data, in this paper, we take the perspective of a model-based estimation approach. In this approach, the data is used in two processes: (1) information assimilation of real-time data and models and (2) learning of the models used in information assimilation based on historical data. This paper focuses on traffic state estimation on links. However, we explain that, in absence of stationary observer that are positioned at the link boundaries, it is valuable to consider the information propagation over nodes. Throughout this study a LWR-model with a triangular fundamental diagram (FD) is used to develop the principles that can be used for the two processes. These principles are tested in a simulation (VISSIM) study. This study shows that we can find the traffic flow model parameters and can partially estimate the link boundary conditions based on relative flow data collected by moving observers alone. It also shows that the traffic flow behavior differs partially from the LWR-model with triangular FD, and therefore, we recommend the option to learn and use other traffic flow models in future research. Overall, relative flow data is considered valuable to obtain model learning datasets and to estimate the traffic state.