Development and attribution of a linear referencing system for managing and disseminating traffic volume data on rural highway networks

Abstract

Developing and disseminating system-wide traffic volume data are critical objectives of traffic monitoring programs. Jurisdictions commonly use maps to disseminate traffic volume data because maps can easily communicate spatial traffic patterns throughout a highway network. Linear referencing systems (LRSs) are essential in this process, yet little research is available on methods to appropriately sequence a highway network and attribute traffic volume data to these sequences. This research aims to fill this knowledge gap by developing and applying procedures: (1) to segment a linear-referenced highway network into sequences of homogeneous traffic flow; and (2) to attribute traffic volume data to the segmented highway network. The research uses traffic and spatial data collected in Manitoba; however, the procedures are transferrable to other jurisdictions. This research develops four criteria for segmenting the highway network into sequences based on locations of traffic sources and sinks, such as highway intersections or urban areas. It also develops three multipart principles for attributing traffic data to highway sequences, considering the type of count site, the proximity of the site to the sequence, the recency of data collection, and the presence of traffic sources and sinks. ArcGIS® tools facilitate the iterative consideration of these criteria and principles. The application of the sequencing and attribution procedures enables practitioners to improve the spatial representativeness of a traffic volume map and reveals the importance of evaluating the traffic monitoring program when changes are made to the highway network or sampling program.