Segment based traffic information estimation method using cellular network data

In traditional traffic information estimation method, the difference in positions is used to estimate traffic information. However, variation or flutter of positioning caused by imprecise mobile phone location accuracy may lead to the unstable measurement. Take the latest mobile phone location technology into consideration, this paper introduces a new segment based traffic estimation method. It is proved by simulation approach that segment based method performs well when location accuracy is within the length of a segment. Simulation results also demonstrate that segment based method is better than traditional method under all kinds of traffic condition except for the high location error and over saturation condition. Through simulation analysis, we conclude that enough sample size, i.e. larger vehicle generation rate, longer data collection interval, shorter location update interval, and larger mobile penetration rate are crucial factors to generate accurate traffic information.