Question

Which traffic survey method provides continuous data over extended periods without human intervention?

• A. Video Cameras
• B. Manual Traffic Counting
• C. GPS and Mobile Data Analysis
• D. Automatic Traffic Counting

Hint:

\textbf{Automatic Traffic Counters (ATRs):} Devices like pneumatic road tubes, inductive loops, radar/infrared sensors that automatically detect and record traffic data.
They are designed for \textbf{continuous operation over extended periods} with minimal human intervention after installation.
They provide data on traffic volume, and often speed and vehicle classification.
Video can record continuously but data extraction often needs processing. Manual counting is labor-intensive. GPS/Mobile data is for movement patterns.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The question asks for a traffic survey method that provides continuous data over extended periods without human intervention. This points to automated methods. Let's analyze the options:
(a) Video Cameras (Video Image Processing): Video cameras can be used for traffic surveys. They can record traffic flow continuously. However, to extract data (e.g., vehicle counts, speeds, classification), the video footage often needs to be processed, either manually by observers watching the video or, more commonly now, using Video Image Processing (VIP) software. While VIP automates the data extraction, the initial setup, maintenance, and sometimes data validation might involve human intervention. However, for continuous recording, it's a strong candidate.
(b) Manual Traffic Counting: This involves human observers stationed at a location, manually counting and classifying vehicles passing by. This method is labor-intensive and not suitable for continuous data collection over very extended periods without significant human resources and shift changes. It requires direct human intervention for data collection.
(c) GPS and Mobile Data Analysis: Data from GPS devices in vehicles (e.g., fleet vehicles, smartphones with GPS) or aggregated mobile phone location data can provide information about traffic speeds, travel times, and origin-destination patterns over extended periods. This data is collected passively from users/devices. While data processing and analysis require human expertise, the raw data collection can be continuous and largely without direct human intervention in the field for data gathering at specific survey points. This is a powerful modern method.
(d) Automatic Traffic Counting (Automatic Traffic Recorders - ATRs): ATRs are devices installed on or near the roadway to automatically detect, count, and often classify vehicles and measure their speed. Common technologies include:
Pneumatic road tubes: Detect vehicles passing over them.
Inductive loops: Embedded in the pavement, detect metallic vehicles.
Microwave radar sensors, Infrared sensors, Ultrasonic sensors. These devices can operate continuously for long periods (days, weeks, months) with minimal human intervention after installation, collecting data automatically. This precisely fits the description. Comparing the options for "continuous data over extended periods without human intervention":
Manual counting is out.
Video cameras can record continuously, but data extraction might need intervention or sophisticated (and not always perfect) automation. Power and storage can be issues for very long periods.
GPS/Mobile data is continuous and passive from users, but it's a different type of survey (tracking movement patterns) rather than traditional site-based traffic counts/classification.
Automatic Traffic Counters (ATRs) using technologies like road tubes or inductive loops are specifically designed for continuous, unattended data collection of traffic volumes (and often speed/classification) at fixed locations over extended periods. Therefore, Automatic Traffic Counting is the method that best fits the description. \[ \boxed{\text{Automatic Traffic Counting}} \]