GPS-BASED TRAVEL TIME AND DELAY SURVEY METHODOLOGY AND TRAFFIC DATA ANALYSIS

Regina Jewel Macababbad

(MS Graduated: 2nd Sem 2010-2011)

Abstract

Travel time and delay studies are used to evaluate traffic conditions, determine levels of service and to plan for improvements. Transportation planners and engineers of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) still employ the manual or stop watch method using a test car in obtaining travel time and delay data. This method is labor intensive and is prone to human errors as well as biases inherent in the conduct of the field surveys. Thus, it is necessary to develop and demonstrate a more efficient method of visualizing traffic characteristics using tools for assessment of road traffic conditions. This should be an accurate and cost-effective data-gathering technique that will facilitate data analysis through spatial presentations.

This paper, then, presents a GPS-based travel time and delay survey and data analysis methodology. It presents the development and application of a methodological framework that includes monitoring and evaluation. The proposed procedures include selection of GPS unit, verification tests, field procedure, data processing and data management, and data analysis and presentation. Data analysis and presentation through the use of digital maps is also presented wherein some of the explored traffic information outputs include corridor speed maps and travel time contour maps. Traffic information presented in the form of digital maps would be very useful for traffic planners or engineers and easy to understand for road users. Moreover, the use of GPS in this research provides fundamental inputs towards the development of a probe car system for use in travel time and delay studies in the Philippine cities.

Subject Index : Traffic Engineering--Philippines , Global Positioning System