Observability of traffic networks. Optimal location of counting and scanning devices

Abstract

In this paper, we deal with the observability problem in traffic networks and the optimal location of counting and scanning devices. After explaining what we mean by observability, the problems of what to observe, how to observe traffic data and how to incorporate prior or obsolete information together with the cases of genuine and pseudo-samples of flow data are discussed. Plate scanning information is dealt with and the flow amount of information measure of information corresponding to a subset of scanned links is analysed. Some pivoting and matrix techniques are given for solving the most common problems of observability of traffic flows in a network. Finally, the problem of optimal location of counters and plate scanning cameras is analysed and several examples are given.