Intro to Traffic Flow Modeling and Intelligent Transport Systems from edX

Travelers in large cities experience significant congestion during their everyday trips. Expanding roads and infrastructure is not a long-lasting remedy to urban congestion. This course will focus on understanding traffic congestion and will explore ways to improve mobility through advanced traffic management schemes. As we all experience, congestion is a highly complex process without a single explanation. An interesting question is: “Can we describe these complex interactions with simple and elegant ways? “

The course will introduce the fundamentals of traffic flow theory and will describe different traffic flow models in micro- and macroscopic level. Network-level aggregated modeling and control approaches are introduced based on the concept of the Macroscopic Fundamental Diagram (MFD). Advanced traffic management schemes (such as adaptive traffic signal control, ramp metering, variable speed limits) are discussed. User equilibrium analysis is introduced through applications of route and departure time choices. Relative reading material, exercises and real data sets are provided.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand key concepts and the physics of the transport phenomena
Familiarize with major elements of transportation systems
Use simple and elegant models to identify the causes of congestion

Propose traffic management strategies to alleviate congestion
Apply the fundamentals of transportation engineering in real case studies

Understand key concepts and the physics of the transport phenomena
Familiarize with major elements of transportation systems
Use simple and elegant models to identify the causes of congestion
Propose traffic management strategies to alleviate congestion
Apply the fundamentals of transportation engineering in real case studies

Syllabus

Week 1: Traffic Flow BasicsIntroduction of basic traffic variables that are necessary to describe congestion (flow, density and speed) and the relations among them under equilibrium, known as fundamental diagram. Description of graphical tools such as time-space diagramsand input-output diagrams.

Week 2: Continuum Models of Traffic FlowReview of the different families of traffic models (micro, meso, macro, network). Description of LWR(Lighthill-Whitham-Richards) models representing the dynamics of traffic streams through the continuity equation and an assumed equilibrium flow-density fundamental diagram.

Week 3: Traffic Modeling and Control for Freeway SystemsIntroduction to different car following models. Description of space and time discretizationand the dynamic difference equations of the macroscopic Cell Transmission Model (CTM). Discussion of the concept of ramp metering in highway traffic applications.

Week 4: Macroscopic Fundamental Diagram (MFD)Introduction to network level aggregated models. These models ignore small-scale information and describe how congestion changes over time and space in different zones of a city. Relations between traffic density and traffic flow emerge in a neat way, creating what is known as a MFD. Properties and dynamic characteristics of MFD models are presented.

Week 5: Network-level Traffic ManagementEstablished control techniques are introduced, with the focus being on how they can be integrated with MFD models to provide large-scale traffic control for congested networks for single- and multi-region systems.

Week 6: Control of Traffic SignalsIntroduction to the basics of traffic signal control. Description of methods to optimize traffic light settings. Generation of fixed-time signal plans for day-of-week and time-of-day implementation. Discussion of traffic responsive systems, the semi-actuated and fully-actuated control logic, and real-time adaptive strategies. Variable speed limits (VSL) are discussed as a measure to improve mobility in highway networks.

Week 7: Equilibria in TransportationIntroduction to the concept of User Equilibrium and the way it can be usedto predict and steer behavioral adjustments following long lasting perturbations. The fundamental concepts and assumptions required for such analyses are explained and illustrated with two applications: route and departure time choice.

Good to know

Know what's good

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Examines traffic congestion which is highly relevant for anyone interested in city planning, urban mobility and optimization

Teaches a wide range of mathematical models and techniques for analyzing and managing traffic flow

Develops an understanding of traffic flow theory and its use in designing effective traffic management strategies

Explores innovative traffic management strategies such as adaptive traffic signal control and ramp metering

Taught by recognized experts in traffic engineering, Nikolas Geroliminis, Anastasios Kouvelas, Raphaël Lamotte and Dimitrios Tsitsokas

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Intro to Traffic Flow Modeling and Intelligent Transport Systems with these activities:

Solve derivative problems on online platforms

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Solving a variety of derivative problems will provide you with ample practice and strengthen your problem-solving skills.

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Identify online platforms or resources that offer derivative practice problems.
Start with simpler problems and gradually increase the difficulty as you gain confidence.
Review the solutions to check your answers and identify areas for improvement.
For more challenging problems, seek assistance from your instructor or classmates.

Read a textbook on differential calculus

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Reading a comprehensive textbook can provide a structured and in-depth understanding of differential calculus, including derivatives.

View Algebra and Trigonometry on Amazon

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Acquire a textbook on differential calculus, such as 'Calculus: Early Transcendentals' by James Stewart.
Read the chapters on derivatives carefully, paying attention to the definitions, rules, and applications.
Take notes, highlight important concepts, and solve the practice problems provided in the book.
Review the material regularly to reinforce your understanding.

Review derivative rules

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Review the basic rules of derivatives to strengthen your understanding of the fundamental concepts of calculus.

Browse courses on Derivatives

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Start by reviewing the definition and notation of derivatives.
Move on to the basic differentiation rules, such as the power rule, the product rule, and the chain rule.
Practice applying these rules to find the derivatives of simple functions.
For a more thorough review, consult your textbook or online resources for additional examples and practice problems.

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Compile a collection of derivative resources

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Having a collection of resources on derivatives can provide easy access to different learning materials and support your understanding.

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Create a folder or notebook to store derivative-related resources.
Gather materials from various sources, such as textbooks, online articles, and videos.
Organize the resources into categories, such as definitions, rules, examples, and applications.
Review the resources regularly and add new materials as you discover them.

Watch video tutorials on chain rule

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Video tutorials can provide clear and concise explanations of the chain rule, making it easier to understand and apply.

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Search for video tutorials on the chain rule on platforms like YouTube or Khan Academy.
Watch the videos attentively, taking notes or pausing to process the information.
Practice applying the chain rule to solve problems after each video.
If you encounter difficulties, rewatch the videos or consult other resources for clarification.

Form a study group and discuss derivative applications

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Discussing derivative applications with peers can broaden your perspective and enhance your understanding.

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Reach out to classmates and form a study group of 3-4 people.
Choose a specific topic or application of derivatives to focus on.
Meet regularly to discuss the topic, share ideas, and work on problems together.
Prepare presentations or summaries of your discussions to share with the group.

Create a visual representation of a derivative

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Creating a visual representation of a derivative can help you visualize the concept and deepen your understanding.

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Choose a function and calculate its derivative.
Use a graphing tool or online platform to plot the function and its derivative on the same graph.
Analyze the graph and identify how the derivative relates to the original function.
Write a caption or explanation to accompany the graph, highlighting your observations.

Seek guidance from a math instructor or tutor

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Seeking guidance from an expert can provide personalized support and accelerate your progress in understanding derivatives.

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Identify a math instructor or tutor who specializes in calculus.
Schedule regular sessions to ask questions, review concepts, and practice solving problems.
Actively participate in the sessions and take advantage of your mentor's expertise.
Follow your mentor's guidance and practice regularly to improve your skills.

Participate in a derivative-themed math competition

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Participating in a math competition can challenge and motivate you to strengthen your derivative skills.

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Research and identify math competitions that focus on derivatives.
Review the competition rules and syllabus carefully to understand the format and requirements.
Practice solving derivative problems and study relevant mathematical concepts.
Participate in the competition and strive to perform your best.

Career center

Learners who complete Intro to Traffic Flow Modeling and Intelligent Transport Systems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Transportation Engineer

Transportation Engineers plan, design, build, and maintain transportation systems. They may specialize in traffic engineering or roadway design. This course may be useful for Transportation Engineers who wish to specialize in traffic engineering. The course provides the fundamentals of traffic flow theory and explores ways to improve mobility through advanced traffic management schemes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Transportation Engineer

Traffic Engineer

Traffic Engineers design and implement traffic management systems, including those that are part of intelligent transportation systems. This course may be useful for Traffic Engineers who wish to develop a deeper understanding of traffic engineering principles or who want to advance into transportation planning or management. The course provides the fundamentals of traffic flow theory, including advanced traffic management schemes such as variable speed limits and ramp metering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Traffic Engineer

Intelligent Transportation Systems Engineer

Intelligent Transportation Systems Engineers design, implement, and maintain intelligent transportation systems, including traffic management systems, traveler information systems, and automated vehicle systems. This course may be useful for Intelligent Transportation Systems Engineers who wish to develop a deeper understanding of traffic engineering principles or who want to advance into traffic engineering or transportation planning. The course provides the fundamentals of traffic flow theory, including advanced traffic management schemes such as variable speed limits and ramp metering, and introduces network-level aggregated modeling and control approaches.

See salaries and explore the career path for Intelligent Transportation Systems Engineer

Transportation Researcher

Transportation Researchers conduct research on transportation systems, including traffic flow, congestion, and intelligent transportation systems. This course may be useful for Transportation Researchers who wish to specialize in traffic engineering or intelligent transportation systems. The course provides the fundamentals of traffic flow theory, including advanced traffic management schemes, and introduces network-level aggregated modeling and control approaches.

See salaries and explore the career path for Transportation Researcher

Transportation Planner

Transportation Planners plan and manage transportation systems, including roads, highways, and public transportation. They may specialize in traffic management or transportation policy. This course may be useful for Transportation Planners who wish to specialize in traffic management. The course provides the fundamentals of traffic flow theory and explores ways to improve mobility through advanced traffic management schemes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Transportation Planner

Data Scientist

Data Scientists develop and apply analytical techniques to solve business problems. They may specialize in transportation data analysis by providing insights into traffic patterns and congestion. This course may be useful for Data Scientists who wish to specialize in transportation data analysis. The course provides the fundamentals of traffic flow theory and introduces network-level aggregated modeling and control approaches.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts develop and apply analytical techniques to solve problems in various fields, including transportation. They may specialize in traffic management or transportation logistics. This course may be useful for Operations Research Analysts who wish to specialize in traffic management. The course provides the fundamentals of traffic flow theory and explores ways to improve mobility through advanced traffic management schemes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Transport Economist

Transport Economists analyze the economic effects of transportation systems, including the impact of congestion and traffic management schemes. This course may be useful for Transport Economists who wish to specialize in traffic economics. The course provides the fundamentals of traffic flow theory, including advanced traffic management schemes, and introduces user equilibrium analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Transport Economist

Traffic Signal Technician

Traffic Signal Technicians maintain and repair traffic signals, including those that are part of intelligent transportation systems. This course may be useful for Traffic Signal Technicians who wish to develop a deeper understanding of traffic signal operations or who want to advance into traffic engineering. The course provides the fundamentals of traffic flow theory, including advanced traffic management schemes such as variable speed limits and ramp metering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Traffic Signal Technician

Traffic Analyst

Traffic Analysts collect and analyze data on traffic patterns, congestion, and the effectiveness of traffic management systems. This course may be useful for Traffic Analysts who wish to develop a deeper understanding of traffic analysis techniques or who want to advance into traffic engineering or transportation planning. The course provides the fundamentals of traffic flow theory, including advanced traffic management schemes such as variable speed limits and ramp metering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Traffic Analyst

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers may specialize in transportation, designing roadway systems and traffic control systems. This course may be useful for Civil Engineers who wish to specialize in transportation engineering. The course provides the fundamentals of traffic flow theory and explores ways to improve mobility through advanced traffic management schemes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Urban Planner

Urban Planners help plan the development of cities and towns. They may specialize in transportation planning by designing and improving transportation systems. This course may be useful for Urban Planners who wish to specialize in transportation planning. The course provides the fundamentals of traffic flow theory, user equilibrium analysis, and advanced traffic management schemes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner