Advanced techniques for travel time data collection

Travel time information is becoming more important for applications ranging from congestion measurement to real-time travel information. This paper contains a discussion of several advanced techniques for travel time data collection, including electronic distance-measuring instruments, computerized and video license plate matching, cellular phone tracking, automatic vehicle identification, automatic vehicle location, and video imaging. The various advanced techniques are described, the necessary equipment and procedures outlined, the applications of each technique are discussed, and the advantages and disadvantages are summarized.