Improve applicability of ITS-generated data via prioritizing positioning of surveillance devices over a road network

In an ideal situation, when the entire roadway network is covered with Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) surveillance devices, the rich ITS traffic data obtained dynamically from field are expected to provide a rich source to benefit traditional transportation planning communities. However, in reality, many challenges existed. First of all, given fiscal constraints, it is infeasible to cover the entire network with system detection and other surveillance devices, and it has to be determined that which locations are such important place that need to install the surveillance devices and what network coverage meets the data need. Secondly, the creativity of ITS-data, i.e., an ITS capability to derive the ready-to-use measurement of effectiveness (MOE) data from the validated field data, also generates new requirements about how to optimize the positioning of surveillance detectors over the road network. In exploring solutions to those challenges, the study attempts to build a systematic methodology to improve applicability of ITS-generated data toward various planning data needs. An approach to identify importance of a location to the network and to prioritize ITS surveillance candidate locations is proposed with a practical demonstration. Designated ITS capability regarding creativity of ITS-derived Measurement of Effectiveness (MOE) is analyzed, in addition, the structure of performance monitoring system and its requirements of the detectors layout are discussed.