Developing a Low-Cost Open-Source Traffic Counter for Rural Areas (CTRA)

Belz, Nathan; Eagan, Daniel

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Developing a Low-Cost Open-Source Traffic Counter for Rural Areas (CTRA)

2024-06-25
By Belz, Nathan ; Eagan, Daniel

File Language:

English

Details

Creators:

Belz, Nathan ; Eagan, Daniel
Corporate Creators:

University of Alaska Fairbanks. Center for Safety Equity in Transportation (CSET)
Corporate Contributors:

United States. Department of Transportation. University Transportation Centers (UTC) Program ; United States. Department of Transportation. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
Subject/TRT Terms:

Computers Open-source Data Collection Education And Training Electronic Equipment Rural Areas Traffic Counting Transportation Planning
Publication/ Report Number:

INE/CSET 24.08
Resource Type:

Tech Report
Geographical Coverage:

United States;Alaska
Edition:

Final Report
Corporate Publisher:

University of Alaska Fairbanks. Center for Safety Equity in Transportation (CSET)
Abstract:

This research addresses operational disconnects and knowledge gaps related to traffic data collection in rural areas by developing a low-cost 3D-printed and open-source traffic counter (CTRA). Conventional pneumatic tube-based systems, which are still in use by transportation agencies across the United States because of their affordability, simply do not work on gravel roads and have difficulty counting non-motorized users and differentiating non-traditional vehicles from conventional motor vehicles. CTRA was developed and field tested at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and designed to provide a video-based data collection system that overcomes the limitations of other traffic counting devices. A count rate of 100% was achieved during the calibration process. Other than electronic hardware, most pieces of hardware can be printed on a 3D printer to form a simple and robust case and mounting system and only straps are needed to secure the counter to a fixed object. Because of its relatively simple and affordable design, CTRA could also be used for STEM and educational activities in schools and other related programs.
Format:

PDF
Collection(s):

University Transportation Centers
Main Document Checksum:

urn:sha-512:4e40a7c56c534caf6cb4c4e931ce355778c35b5c104d796f2df9eebce736a526b10fed6084df008d055d4f56e6a230b81e6b819206b915021c6227ebda37c981
Download URL:

https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/76943/dot_76943_DS1.pdf
File Type:

[PDF - 1.41 MB ]

File Language:

English

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