Optimization of Traffic Detector Layout Based on Complex Network Theory

With the recent development of traffic networks, traffic detector layout has become very complicated, due to the complexity of traffic network structures and states. Thus, this paper presents an optimal method for traffic detector layout based on network centrality using complex network theory. It mainly depends on the topology of the traffic network, and does not depend on pre-conditions (e.g., OD (Origin Destination)) traffic, path traffic, prior matrix, and so on) or consider route-choosing behavior too much. Considering the travel time, OD demand, observation demand of urban managers, dynamic characteristic of the traffic network, detector failure, and so on, an optimization model for traffic detector layout is established, which is called the Traffic Network Centrality Model (TNCM). Numerical experiments are conducted, based on data from the Sioux Falls network, which demonstrate that the model has a strong practical value. TNCM is not only helpful in reducing the traffic detector layout cost, but also improves the monitoring revenue of the traffic network in complex scenarios, which offers a promising way of thinking about the optimization of traffic detector layout schemes.