Analysis of Speed Differences in Data from Remote Traffic Microwave Sensors and Floating Car Data Systems on Expressways

Abstract

The remote traffic microwave sensor (RTMS) and the floating car data (FCD) system are two important sources of traffic data; both provide key speed information. However, these two data processes gather data differently. The RTMS detects spot speeds at specific cross sections. The FCD system collects travel speed along a segment of a road link. Although the difference between time mean speed (TMS) and space mean speed (SMS) has been discussed for decades, the speed differences between RTMS and FCD have been underestimated in many engineering applications. This study examined the speed differences between the RTMS and FCD data on expressways in Beijing. First, the differences between the two data collections over 5 days were analyzed. The correlation between the difference and the value of the speeds was investigated. The relationships between TMS and SMS in existing studies were then compared with the relationship derived from the field data. It was found that the existing relationships between TMS and SMS were not valid for representing the relationship between the RTMS and FCD speeds. The flow–speed relationship from each data group was then investigated by using the Van Aerde traffic flow model; it was found that free-flow speed and speed at capacity determined on the basis of the RTMS data were significantly overestimated. It was inaccurate to apply the RTMS speed to the analysis of fundamental traffic flow diagrams. Finally, the repeatability and stability of the relationship between these two data groups were validated.

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