Methods of analyzing traffic imagery collected from aerial platforms

A limitation of most traditional methods of traffic data collection is that they rely on techniques that are strictly local in nature. Aerial imagery sensors can provide sufficient resolution to sense vehicle locations and movements across broader spatial and temporal scales. Digital imagery, global positioning systems, and automated image processing can be used to improve the spatial coverage, accuracy and cost-effectiveness of the data collection and reduction. In this paper, an approach for collecting and analyzing aerial imagery is given. To illustrate the value of the imagery, the paper outlines methods to generate estimates of speeds, travel times, densities, and queueing delays.