New Traffic Detection Equipment
ATAC recently acquired five Wavetronix SmartSensors® to supplement the existing Traffic Data Collection System (TDCS). The SmartSensor® is a nonintrusive traffic data collection device which uses digital wave radar to collect vehicle volume, speed, occupancy, and classification. Radar detection technologies provide many benefits for data collection. The SmartSensor® is a continuouswave radar which is not affected by wind, lighting, temperature, and other environmental conditions. Also, the digital wave radar technology is not as susceptible to vehicle occlusion, a major problem with video-based systems. Occlusion occurs when a detector does not have line-of-sight to a vehicle which is hidden behind another vehicle or barrier. Another unique feature of the SmartSensor® is its self-calibrating capability. The SmartSensor® is able to identify lanes by observing traffic, thereby minimizing the field set-up time. The SmartSensor® works by slicing a narrow cross-section of the roadway (up to 8 lanes) with concentrated radio waves and collecting data on the vehicles that pass through the detection area. If an object is in the path of the radio waves, then it will reflect some of the electromagnetic energy back to the detector. Vehicle speed can also be obtained by the detector by measuring the change in frequency of the radio waves returned from moving vehicles - otherwise known as the Doppler Principle. The SmartSensor® is configured through a computer interface, and stores the traffic data internally. It is powered by a 12-volt battery, which allows for extended deployment time. The SmartSensor® has a 200 ft range, with recommended mounting heights of 12 to 30 feet. It is a relatively lightweight device, which allows for a simple pole-mount installation. ATAC will be using the SmartSensors® for data collection purposes, and for evaluation and comparison with other detection technologies. This spring ATAC will begin field testing and analysis of the new detectors, as well as designing a portable mounting system for the units. |
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Accurate traffic data are essential for good planning, design, and operations. However, data collection is often expensive and difficult to conduct. Several technologies have been used to improve traffic data collection, including loops, video, tubes, and others. ATAC has been using a mobile Traffic Data Collection System with Autoscope® video processing technology for supporting special traffic data collection needs. However, the use of video requires extensive calibration and is sometimes affected by environmental (such as wind) and traffic conditions.