DYNAMIC – Ad-hoc network-wide traffic detection

Abstract

A comprehensive overview of the current traffic situation is the basis for planning and operational routing of emergency services in disaster situations. Classical infrastructure for traffic detection is stationary and can measure only at singular points in the network. In disaster situations, however, potential road blockages or closures might occur at unpredictable points in the network. In result, significant volumes of traffic will flow in the lower-category network. This will not be recognized directly by classical traffic detection, resulting in an outdated and incomplete traffic situation report. Therefore, a system called DYNAMIC for the network-wide detection of traffic via radio-based technologies is proposed. Here, a fleet of equipped vehicles collect anonymous mobility information (e.g. average speeds, origin destination information) about the surrounding traffic and even pedestrian flows by inquiring available Bluetooth or WiFi devices. This enables a network-wide representation of the current traffic situation on all streets with sufficient traffic load in a very cost efficient way. Furthermore, measuring can start immediately; no calibration or other external requirements as well as stationary infrastructure are necessary. In April 2016, a prototypical system will be tested using 30 equipped taxi cabs in Berlin, Germany. This presentation will introduce the DYNAMIC system itself and show first results from the prototypical application in an urban area.