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High-Res Data

In 2007, America's overall infrastructure received a failing grade while traffic signal operations for individual intersections earned a despicable 'C'. That's the bad news.

The good news is that the poor report card sparked industry experts to evaluate how to improve intersection efficiencies and through those efforts, high-res data collection was born. 

This month we take an in depth look at what high-res data is, the benefits of using it, and basic technology requirements.
The 4-1-1 on High-Res Data
 
Just like watching a movie on VHS is a thing of the past, so is relying on limited data to adjust signal timing plans. High-res data makes it possible to capture every detail that occurs in signalized intersections by collecting, recording, and analyzing data every tenth of a second. Consider it your Blu-ray™ version of traffic information.

Before high-res data, engineers relied on a data "snapshot" that represented only a particular time and day. Since traffic trends are constantly changing, it was challenging to accurately analyze signal operations. High-res data makes it easier to know what's happening on the road at all times.

Better yet, corridors with high volume of vehicles can be improved by analyzing data in real-time. That same data is then archived and can later be used to create a variety of signal timing performance measures which help traffic engineers further reduce congestion.

Three Benefits of High-Res Data

With high-res data engineers are able to build stronger, more effective traffic signal control strategies that:

Help characterize roadways.
High-res data allows engineers to better characterize roadways in order to understand the nature of issues and identify the real needs of the system.


Improve signal timing operations.
High-res data offers unprecedented insight into current demand, and when combined with historical performance data, can help enhance system performance for smoother, signal operations.


Monitor signal performance 24/7.
With high-res data, you can generate richer reports such as split monitor approach, Purdue coordination diagram, turning movement counts, and more. 
Basic Requirements

High-res data collection works regardless of the type of detection and signal operations - free or coordinated. Integrating it is simple with the following equipment:





High-res data is logged by intersection control software, like McCain's Omni eX� software.

The software captures and time stamps the data which is then stored in an ATC controller.

Accurate detection is essential, preferably with isolated lane detection.

If all lanes are connected to one lane detector, only one vehicle will be counted. Isolated detection is able to capture the presence of vehicles in each lane.

Although not required, remote connectivity allows the transfer of data from the field to the central traffic management system for reporting purposes. 

If this is not an option, the data can be manually extracted by a technician.
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