Research and Estimation of Traffic Flow Characteristics

Dear Colleagues,

We are faced with complex and difficult issues in terms of the changing picture of traffic in contemporary transport networks. On one hand, these changes are imposed by the post-industrial era, changing the distribution of traffic flows in line with changes in the socio-economic system. This affects the characteristics and distribution of traffic flows. On the other hand, administrative restrictions are imposed and transport systems could contribute to building more sustainable societies. This considered, changes in traffic flows will be observed in the coming years. The introduction of autonomous vehicles will also occur in the near future, also in relation to the issue of mixed traffic structure. In this context, the research on and estimation of traffic flow characteristics contribute significant new knowledge, thus improving traffic safety, efficiency, organization, and control.

The introduction of fifth/sixth-generation mobile networks in combination with C-ITS could change traffic characteristics in a way never seen before. Hence, traffic flow research can help people to make the best decisions in the fields of organization, management, and control of traffic. The characteristics of traffic flows are closely related to the infrastructure conditions. New infrastructure solutions are being implemented. Proper connection of infrastructure with the traffic that burdens it would allow users to access several modes of transport, increasing accessibility and reducing exclusion from transport. In this context, we would like to pay attention to multimodal transit systems and vehicle sharing. We also pay attention to new technologies, including IoT, big data, blockchain, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

We also expect proposals regarding the use of new techniques and devices for traffic flow research. They are useful for establishing better transport systems designed and based on exact traffic characteristics. We do not limit the topic to road traffic; rather, we are also interested in examining traffic characteristics in the fields of rail, air, and sea traffic.

This Special Issue will highlight new and modified approaches to traffic characteristic research. We welcome papers on the following topics:

• Study of traffic flow characteristics;
• Estimation of traffic flow;
• Traffic flow research in context to support real-time management;
• Applications of technologies in traffic research such as CV, ET, LIDAR, etc.;
• Case studies related to traffic flow measurement;
• Meta-analyses and reviews related to traffic flow measurement;
• Future perspectives on traffic flow study;
• Optimization and rationalization of traffic flows;
• Modern and unconventional solutions to the above topics;
• Eye tracking research in transport systems;
• Biometry research in transport systems;
• Vibrocaustic research in transport systems;
• Airport management  and organisation;
• Implementation of new technologies by enterprises in transport systems.

Dr. Ireneusz Celinski
Dr. Renata Żochowska
Dr. Grzegorz Karoń
Guest Editors

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• traffic flow
• estimation of traffic flow
• traffic measurement