An overall knowledge of the current traffic state is a prerequisite for a functioning traffic management both in private and public transport. Today, the acquisition of traffic data is performed mostly by stationary systems. Typically, induction loops, radar detectors, laser scanners, passive infrared detectors and also image processing systems are used for this purpose. Supplementary, floating cars, which act as mobile traffic sensors, transfer their traffic data speed and position. In Germany, stationary induction loops at traffic lights are the common devices for the acquisition of traffic data, though the underlying purpose of these systems is to enable a traffic actuated control of traffic lights. Because such measuring points are rather rare compared to a whole inner-city road network, complex models are applied in order to conclude the entire traffic state from the limited amount of data measured.
Furthermore, coping with climate changes and protecting the environment plays a more and more significant role. New environmental laws and guidelines in Europe force politics and economy to act which requires e.g. innovative concepts for traffic management. Target-oriented information can save lives, protect infrastructures, increase safety and save energy. In order to gain this information, a modular, close-meshed data acquisition network is necessary for the cost-efficient capture of traffic and environmental data.
