Online parameter estimation for a flexible, adaptive traffic network simulation

This paper deals with macroscopic traffic modeling and online parameter calibration suitable for real-time simulation of complex road configurations. A numerical solver for the nonlinear hyperbolic transport partial differential equation is introduced that works with fundamental diagrams of arbitrary shape and piecewise differentiable initial conditions. Suitable boundary conditions at road inlets and outlets (traffic light signals) are realized. Furthermore, we present a method to identify parameters of the underlying fundamental diagram via aggregated traffic sensor data and utilize the Fisher Information Matrix to optimize traffic sensor placement. The results are validated through comparison with microscopic traffic simulation based on a car-following model.