Citywide Traffic Analysis Based on the Combination of Visual and Analytic Approaches

A method for citywide traffic analysis is introduced based on the combination of visual and analytical approaches. Large volumes of GPS data collected from urban vehicles are utilized. In the method, a traffic condition map is constructed, composed of five different layers featuring traffic conditions, road linkage, travel patterns, congestion zones, and traffic flows, respectively. Based on the map, specific transport situations surrounding the congested areas are examined and ways of reducing congestion are suggested. The method is evaluated in the aggregated metropolitan area of Athens and Piraeus in Greece, and the potential and the effectiveness of this technique in analysing traffic are demonstrated. With more and more urban vehicles being equipped with GPS devices, the method can be easily transferable to other regions, paving the way for the adoption of the approach for an up-to-date, spatial-temporal sensitive, visual and analytic method for traffic monitoring that supports the establishment of a more sustainable urban transportation system.