Urban traffic detectors – comparison between inductive loop and magnetic sensors

Vehicle detection is a key element in traffic management systems. An accurate count will provide the system with proper information so it can make the best decisions. Inductive loops have been used for many years (as physical equipment, or virtual detection in video cameras), and they proved to be a very good choice for road traffic detection. There are also additional solutions, some of them being less accurate, but improved over time, and others being used in specific applications, but can also be considered for vehicle detection in the road network. The latter solution may be represented by the magnetic sensors, typically used in parking systems. In this paper, the authors compared the two solutions, trying to determine if this is a proper alternative for inductive loops in usual traffic conditions.