Current Projects

OpenTrafficCam (Open Source Framework for Video Based, Automateted Collection and Analysis of Traffic Data)

QuerPlaner Buck Heilig GbR

Video recordings are common in transportation, both in practice and in science, e.g. to count traffic or to observe safety-critical locations. So far, video data is mainly collected and analyzed manually, but existing hardware and software already enable automated video analysis using AI. However, there are no application-friendly and freely available overall systems that can be used to record traffic movements over longer periods of time, process them automatically and derive characteristic traffic metrics from them.

The aim of the funding is to provide planners and researchers in the traffic sector with the OpenTrafficCam, a complete system from the recording of videos to the determination of traffic parameters. The aim is to create an open, application-oriented framework in which individual parts can be exchanged and new parts can also be added by other users. Organizational and legal instructions for use are also to be provided.

In OpenTrafficCam:

• the prototype of a mobile camera system is constructed and recommendations for video detection are derived,
• suitable software projects for object detection and tracking will be combined into an overall workflow for the automated detection of traffic participants,
• tools for traffic analysis of road user movements are developed,
• an exemplary image data set on the German vehicle fleet will be created to improve the results and
• all developments will be made available to the general public as open source.

Project on ministry website
Source code
Documentation

Dipl.-Ing. Martin Bärwolff
+49 351 463-36661
martin.baerwolff@tu-dresden.de

NRVP 2020 - Evaluation of the influence of road safety on route choice while cycling, using a pseudo-representative sample of GPS data (SiRou)

Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI)

Chair of Transport Ecology (TU Dresden)
Chair of Traffic and Transportation Psychology (TU Dresden)

Comprehensive and quantified information concerning the effect of objective and subjective safety on the use of cycling infrastructure (route selection) is currently not available. In addition, there is a lack of comprehensive findings on the quantification of the influence of infrastructural, traffic, and network planning characteristics on the incidence of cycling accidents at route sections and junctions. Therefore, the aim of the project is to develop accident models that take into account infrastructural, traffic, and network planning characteristics (estimation of objective safety). Subsequently, the influence of objective and subjective traffic safety on the route selection of cyclists will be determined. On the basis of these models, it will be possible to estimate the probability of accidents and use, even if no data on accidents is available.

The starting point is the NRVP Project VB 1704, in which the journeys of over 200 test subjects were documented via GPS and their subjective safety assessments were collected during a four-week field phase. The subjects were drawn as a stratified sample based on the criteria of cycling type, age, and gender and come very close to the population cross-section of German cyclists. Within the planned project (SiRou), these data are to be superimposed on the accident statistics.

For this purpose, an accident model will be developed based on accident, infrastructure, and traffic data. On the one hand, the model can forecast accident figures for each network element, provided that all input variables are available in the cities. Alternatively, typical accident characteristics (accident rate UR, accident cost rate UKR) can be estimated to describe the safety level of different types of routes and junctions.

Based on the GPS-based behavioural data, a route selection model is estimated to quantify the effect of the safety assessment in interaction with other variables on the use of cycling facilities. For this purpose, the routes travelled (see GPS data) as well as the alternatives not selected are provided with route properties and compared with each other on the basis of multivariate statistical estimation procedures (see WP 5). Which concrete roles different types of cycling play in this, among other things, is a question that is to be answered by the project.

The evaluation of subjective safety on the basis of the reported hazardous situations (from NRVP project RadVerS) can then be spatially overlaid with the results of the accident and route selection model.

Dipl.-Ing. Bettina Schröter
+49 351 463-36699
bettina.schroeter@tu-dresden.de

Dipl.-Ing. Sebastian Hantschel
+49 (0)351 463 423 94
sebastian.hantschel@tu-dresden.de

German Insurers Accident Research (UDV)

PTV Transport Consult GmbH

The objectives of this project are the updating of application criteria and the derivation of design recommendations for pedestrian crossings. The crossing systems to be investigated are central islands, pedestrian crossings, and pedestrian light signal systems as well as combinations of such systems.

Within the framework of this research project, current findings from regulations and research (national and international) on the use and traffic safety of pedestrian crossing facilities will be evaluated. Subsequently, 360 pedestrian crossing systems in different cities will be selected for the analysis of accident events. For a detailed analysis of these accident events, video observations will be made at 100 of the crossing facilities in order to account for exposure variables (e.g. traffic volumes, vehicle speeds). Within the scope of the video observations, possible conflicts between crossing road users and road users in longitudinal traffic will be systematically evaluated in order to investigate in more detail the safety problems identified in the accident analysis and to obtain information on typical conflict situations. In the last step of the project, nine crossing points will be selected at which particularly vulnerable persons will be specifically observed with regard to their traffic behaviour in order to obtain specific information on the behaviour and problems of these persons. As a result of the study, recommendations for practice and a possible need for adaptation of the regulations including StVO and VwV-StVO will be established.

Updating the calculation methods for the capacity of roundabouts

Chair of Transportation - Planning and Management at Ruhr-University Bochum

The aim of this research project is to update the existing calculation methods for the capacity of roundabouts and to test the applicability of new calculation approaches.

In this research project, existing findings in Germany and abroad are evaluated and research is conducted on possible survey points and traffic surveys at selected roundabouts. On this basis, calculation models are created, which are validated and supplemented by means of microsimulation. As a result, on the one hand, new findings on the capacity of roundabouts, taking into account the influences of all types of road users as well as the interactions between the individual access roads, are made available for research and, on the other hand, practice-oriented procedures for capacity determination of small and two-lane roundabouts (e.g. for the HBS) are developed.

Dr.-Ing. Martin Schmotz
+49 (0)351 463 365 03
Martin.Schmotz@tu-dresden.de

Dipl.-Ing. Benjamin Kühn
+49 (0)351 463 329 75
Benjamin.Kuehn@tu-dresden.de

Adaptation and application of the procedure for the safety assessment of urban thoroughfares

Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt)

The aim of this research project is to develop characteristic values for the inner city chapter of the Handbook for Traffic Safety (HVS) on the basis of an analysis collective for main thoroughfares and the findings on urban roads from relevant literature.

In this research project, existing findings will be evaluated, primarily in Germany, and multi-criteria accident analyses (accident models) will be carried out at selected locations. These results will be compared with the findings from the literature and other regulations, and coordinated indicators for GUKR, adjustment factors, and supplements will be determined. These key figures are continuously checked and adjusted during the project with regard to their relevance for the overall result. Based on these key figures, the draft of a closed HVS procedure for the inner city area will be developed, including the provision of text modules and forms. In addition, a collection of examples will be prepared to illustrate the range of possible applications.

Dipl.-Ing. Martin Bärwolff
+49 (0)351 463 366 61
martin.baerwolff@tu-dresden.de

Dr.-Ing. Martin Schmotz
+49 (0)351 463 365 03
Martin.Schmotz@tu-dresden.de

Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt)

Büro für Stadt- und Verkehrsplanung GmbH (BSV)

The aim of this research project is to derive recommendations for the use of pedestrian crossing systems (F-LSA) with different control methods. According to RiLSA, the control methods to be considered are:

• Control Variant 1: Complete signal sequence for motor vehicle and pedestrian traffic
• Control Variant 2: Dark systems with basic position DARK for motor vehicle traffic and basic position RED for pedestrian traffic
• Control Variant 3: Darkening systems with basic position DARK for motor vehicle traffic and basic position DARK for pedestrian traffic

On the basis of already existing findings in Germany and abroad, surveys on the use of and experience with the various control options for F-LSA in municipalities and road construction administrations are being conducted. Subsequently, video observations and speed measurements on F-LSA as well as traffic tests as before/after investigation on F-LSA were carried out. As a result of the investigations, recommendations for the use of F-LSAs with different control procedures are to be determined and prepared for updating the RiLSA as text modules in order to ensure the targeted use of the different control variants in practice.

Dr.-Ing. Martin Schmotz
+49 351 463-36503
martin.schmotz@tu-dresden.de

Dipl.-Ing. Matthias Medicus
+49 351 463-36617
Matthias.Medicus@tu-dresden.de

Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI)

• Chair of Transport Planning and Traffic Management Technology, University of Stuttgart (Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Friedrich)
• Planung Transport Verkehr AG

The aim of this research project is to develop recommendations for the creation and application of transport demand models in municipalities and regions, to provide checklists for recording the requirements, to create a template for a service description, to select suitable quality measures that have to be proven during model creation, and to develop guidelines for the documentation of transport demand models.

Transport demand models are an important tool for transport planning. They are used in cities and regions to reconstruct existing conditions in a transport network (analysis of the current state) and to estimate the effects of future developments or planned transport measures. In this way, transport demand models are used to prepare transport planning, operational planning, transport technology and transport policy decisions.

A transport demand model is a model that uses as input variables the transport supply, settlement structure and behavioural parameters in a study area and, based on this, models all traffic-relevant decision-making processes of people that lead to changes in location. In passenger transport these decisions include the choice of activities, the choice of destination, the choice of means of transport, the choice of departure time and the choice of route. The primary results of a transport demand model include matrices of supply quality (characteristic matrices), transport demand matrices, traffic volumes on network elements and routes as well as characteristics of traffic volume (passenger kilometres, vehicle kilometres, passenger hours, lost time). These primary results can be used as input for further model calculations, which then determine, for example, noise and pollutant emissions or ticket revenues.

The primary aim is achieved by comprehensively assessing the needs of all road user groups - and of those who live, work and visit the area – drawing on existing knowledge and extensive stakeholder engagement, to establish design criteria. Key performance indicators will be developed to define and measure the degree to which a road is operating satisfactorily, and to set out design requirements when performance is sub-standard. Four web or computer-based tools will be developed to assist in the road-space reallocation design process, covering: option generation, stakeholder engagement, micro-simulation of road user behaviour, and a comprehensive, multi-modal appraisal tool.
The project will test these tools and procedures through the detailed development of street design packages at test sites
(feeder route corridors) in five partner cities on different TEN-T networks, and on- and off-road trials will be carried
out to test some of the components. Based on these various outputs, MORE will develop new guidelines for optimal
urban road-space allocation and disseminate and exploit them and the design tools, widely throughout Europe.

For achieving this aim a first version of TRAVELVIEWER will be developed in 6 languages. Within the project, an already existing data collection app TRavelVU should be improved for European use. Both TRAVELVIEWER and TRavelVU is going to be tested in for different demonstration sites in Europe. The project will provide ilustrative examples of how TRAVELVIEWER improves the understanding of travel behavour and how this practically can be used to support the shift to low carbon transport. Dresden takes part in the project with testing the app and providing guidance for developing a dashboard.  A specific recruitment technique will be developed and tested in the demonstration site of Dresden. The results are compared to the other demonstration sites as well as methodological comparisons  will be carried out of both the data itself and in terms of the quality of recruitment across the sites.  

Dr.-Ing. Stefan Hubrich
+49 (0)351 463 341 26
stefan.hubrich@tu-dresden.de

University management (Dec. 4)

The aim of the project is to develop a mobility concept for the main TU Dresden campus to ensure accessibility for all demand groups.

The development of a mobility concept for the main TU Dresden campus is based on the considerations for the future development of the campus area already outlined in the Master Plan Campus Design. The Master Plan Campus Design has far-reaching effects and close interactions on the topic of mobility. Future accessibility requirements relate to both the inner and outer development of the main campus in the southern suburbs of Dresden.  The effects of a mobility concept can only be meaningfully assessed on the basis of an integrated target concept that is supported by all actors and affected groups as far as is possible. An indispensable basis for the development of an integrated mobility concept is the derivation of the qualified parking space requirement for the Technische Universität Dresden (students, employees, visitors) with special attention to the concerns of the resident population for the analysis and forecast horizon (2028/2030). The derivation of the qualified parking space requirement should be based on a mathematical procedure. The conceptual measures for the TUD space and the public transport area are to be transformed into a mobility concept with special emphasis on the promotion of inter- and multimodality.

PD Dr.-Ing. habil. Rico Wittwer
+49 (0)351 463 341 32
rico.wittwer@tu-dresden.de

The aim of the project is to determine a necessary or desirable group-specific mobility behaviour to achieve the modal split requirements for the MIV according to STEP VöR. The aim is to identify (target) groups that are likely to change their behaviour compared to today and which are most likely to react to measures to support behavioural changes.

Against the background of the objectives described above, the study to be prepared on Leipzig mobility behaviour in 2030 has the following tasks:

• Literature research on possibilities to influence urban mobility behaviour
• Determination of behavioral (target) groups for behavioral changes based on the research in coordination with the client
• Analysis of the SrV data with regard to the mobility of the behaviourally similar (target) groups of the resident population in Leipzig
• Creation of a benchmark model for the systematic variation of group-specific mobility behaviour including determinants
• Derivation of scenarios for necessary behavioural changes to achieve the specified modal split values for the MIV using the benchmark model
• Consolidation of the findings to prioritise the target groups and to show possibilities to influence mobility behaviour

PD Dr.-Ing. habil. Rico Wittwer
+49 (0)351 463 341 32
rico.wittwer@tu-dresden.de

University Management

Institute of Landscape Architecture, Dezernat 4 (Liegenschaften, Technik und Sicherheit)

The Institute of Landscape Architecture, the Institute of Transport Planning and Road Traffic and Department 4 (Real Estate, Technology and Safety) were jointly commissioned by the Rectorate to develop a master plan for the exterior spaces of the TU Dresden campus. The project aims to develop an overall concept for the future development of the open spaces on the campus. Some of the ideas are to be implemented by the 200th anniversary of the university in 2028. 

As a first processing step, a comprehensive analysis of the outdoor spaces on the campus has been elaborated and already completed by the participating institutes of TU Dresden. This includes not only the inventory and evaluation of the open spaces for historical development, infrastructure, vegetation, equipment and urban technology, but also the determination of the need for open spaces as a place of research, learning, work and leisure. This is followed by a phase of development and discussion of spatial-design scenarios, with which the planning office Karres+Brands from the Netherlands was commissioned. These scenarios, in turn, are discussed and concretised in many meetings with various participants (project-accompanying workgroup; see project information below). The different spatial and design scenarios developed will be presented to the university public for discussion. Taking into account the results of the discussions, an initial overall concept for the campus exterior will be developed by the end of 2018, which will serve as a basis for more detailed planning and future implementation measures. In 2019, work on the Campus Design Master Plan will be continued (including 19 starter projects), the implementation of which will be intensively supported by the institutes involved in the project.  

M.Sc. Caroline Koszowski
+49 351 463-35333
caroline.koszowski@tu-dresden.de

Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt)

PTV Transport Consult GmbH

The aim of the study is to determine, on the basis of a pilot study in 9 German cities, the effects and expediency of a regulation that allows cyclists to turn right at red lights. In addition to the legal aspects, traffic flow, traffic behaviour and traffic safety are to be evaluated.

On the basis of a research of relevant regulations and rules as well as a national/international literature search, relevant findings will be prepared which concern future implementations of right turns for cyclists at red lights. In parallel, different designs of entrances and exits at LSA junctions will be combined in a typification, and a concept for the design of a traffic sign will be developed. In close cooperation with the cities participating in the pilot project, examples of traffic situations will be identified and behavioural observations will be made before/after the installation of the new traffic sign for cyclists. The surveys will be evaluated in terms of indicators for the assessment of traffic safety and traffic flow. Finally, recommendations will be made with regard to a possible implementation of the regulations in terms of design, traffic engineering, and traffic law aspects.

Dipl.-Ing. Sebastian Hantschel
+49 351 463-42394
sebastian.hantschel@tu-dresden.de

Dipl.-Ing. Bettina Schröter
+49 351 463-36699
bettina.schroeter@tu-dresden.de

Insurers' Accident Research (UDV)

PTV Transport Consult GmbH

The aim of this study is to derive requirements for the design and operation of road space situations with stops, supplemented by general approaches to measures (including training, traffic education, campaigns, operational safety of public transport).

Within the framework of this research project and based on literature analysis, the accident occurrence at bus stops will be evaluated on a statistical level (special features and temporal developments will be identified) and on a network level (analysis of conflict constellations for different accident types in the bus stop area with regard to time, type of participation, age groups, environment, accident severity, location, and other attributes of the road and accident data set). In the macroscopic analysis, 2,000 THS in six major cities (Dresden, Leipzig, Berlin, Cologne, Stuttgart, Munich) will be surveyed with regard to type, operation, road cross-section, location, and further design features on site (including photo documentation, recording of design features via a HS profile).  From the data set of the macroscopic analysis, a total of 100 THS are selected in pairs for the detailed analysis. This serves to compare the accidentally loaded and accident-free HS of a type, taking into account relevant accident situations. In the behavioural analysis, the occurrence data of MIV and nMIV as well as qualitative and quantitative behavioural parameters such as lines of movement of the nMIV, speeds of the MIV and acceptance of traffic rules by all road users are determined from video observations. In the conflict analysis quantifiable conflict parameters such as post-encroachment time (PET) are determined from the trajectories of potential conflict opponents (nMIV, MIV, public transport). The aim is to identify and describe critical behaviour. Finally, the synopsis provides a comprehensive interpretation of the results of all levels of analysis. This enables the current need for action to be evaluated in practice and approaches to measures to be derived.

Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt)

PTV Transport Consult GmbH

Evaluation of the objective safety of the guidance of cycle traffic in mixed traffic under different traffic and design boundary conditions; causes for the arrangement of different mixed traffic guidance systems and their acceptance; Update of FGSV regulations

In the research project, existing findings in Germany and abroad will be evaluated; accident analyses will be undertaken, taking into account exposure (survey of the traffic volume of bicycle and motor vehicle traffic at up to 150 points); surveys on acceptance and safety-relevant behaviour as well as driving on 20 different sections will be conducted. In addition, surveys of road users and a pilot study on route selection will be carried out against the background of the acceptance of different forms of guidance for cycle traffic. As a result, typical accident situations as well as accident-favouring behaviour and boundary conditions will be assigned to the examined forms of guidance. These are compared with the current recommendations of the regulations as well as legal and operational requirements. In this way, the current need for action can be evaluated in practice and approaches to measures derived.

Dipl.-Ing. Sebastian Hantschel
+49 (0)351 463 423 94
sebastian.hantschel@tu-dresden.de

NRVP 2020 - Cycling and walking on shared and independent paths

Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI)
State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Transport

The research project is intended to close the gaps in knowledge about the joint guidance of bicycle and foot traffic on independent paths and to specify and define areas of application for paths with different loads. Aspects of traffic safety, comfort and traffic flow are to be evaluated, taking into account the effectiveness of different ways of separating the different types of transport.

The research project will evaluate existing findings in Germany and abroad, carry out a municipal research to identify investigation routes, carry out accident analyses (accident data from the police and surveys of injured cyclists and pedestrians in hospitals) and conduct surveys on safety-relevant behaviour and traffic quality for 30 different route segments. In addition, road users are interviewed during the surveys. As a result, a draft for a generally valid guideline for the design of independent cycle paths and footpaths will be presented.

Dipl.-Ing. Sebastian Hantschel
+49 (0)351 463 423 94
sebastian.hantschel@tu-dresden.de

Effects of recognisability and access design on the traffic safety of roundabouts on rural roads

Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt)

Chair of Traffic and Transportation Psychology (TU Dresden)

The aim of this research project is to provide a solid basis for increasing the traffic safety of rural roundabouts, in particular the design of access roads and the roundabout island, taking into account possible deficits in recognisability.

In this research project, existing findings in Germany and abroad are evaluated, macroscopic and microscopic accident analyses are carried out, surveys on speed and driving behaviour as well as perception-psychological investigations are conducted for selected examples. As a result of the investigations, factors that are favourable to accidents are to be determined and design recommendations made in order to increase traffic safety at rural roundabouts.

Dr.-Ing. Martin Schmotz
+49 (0)351 463 365 03
Martin.Schmotz@tu-dresden.de

Dipl.-Ing. Bettina Schröter
+49 (0)351 463 366 99
Bettina.Schroeter@tu-dresden.de

German Research Foundation (DFG)

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Friedrich, Chair of Transport Planning and Traffic Management Technology, University of Stuttgart

The overarching question of the research project is: "What quality must transport demand models have in order to be useful for the purposes of transport planning and transport technology?

The research project will first answer the question of which parameters can be used to describe the quality of transport demand models and how these can be extracted from the individual model levels. Based on this, it will be investigated how the influence of different model parameters on the quality of a transport demand model can be determined. This will then be quantified for selected parameters (e.g., accuracy of structural and behavioural data, spatial segmentation and transport demand) and for model assumptions to replicate the decision-making processes of transport users. As a result, application-differentiated minimum requirements for modelling, data supply, model calibration and validation will be formulated.