Determination of traffic parameters using cumulative flow measurements

The exact positioning of two successive cumulative flow curves next to each other on the cumulative flowtime diagram ensures the construction of space-time discretization domains of long sections and intervals of measurement. Defining such a domain and collecting point data from detectors, a corresponding discretization model has been studied, called Modified Edie’s domain model, which provides accurate estimates of the three fundamental traffic parameters. Furthermore, it and has been compared to two alternative models already proposed by other researchers. This model is proven to be superior to the alternatives in recognizing the onset of the congestion. The accuracy of the parameters estimated by the model could be significantly improved when the ratio of section length to interval of measurement is appropriately selected.