A review of third-party traffic data for public and private use: opportunities and challenges

This manuscript explores the rapidly developing field of third-party traffic data and its implications for both public and private sector applications. With the widespread of mobile devices, GPS technologies, and connected vehicles, many third-party traffic datasets are now available, offering detailed insights into traffic patterns and mobility behaviors. These user-generated data sources, collected by entities outside of authoritative governmental agencies, present a novel opportunity to enhance transportation planning, traffic management, and urban development. This review discusses various types of third-party traffic data, evaluates their applications, and highlights their advantages and limitations. By integrating current research with application examples from local, state, national, and international levels, the study aims to bridge the gap in a comprehensive analysis of third-party traffic datasets and present strategies for their effective use in improving transportation systems and policy-making. Moreover, it highlights the challenges of data quality, privacy concerns, and the ethical implications of widespread data utilization.