The general framework of the algorithm.

<p>The general framework of the algorithm.</p

The location allocation order of VMS as <i>a</i> = 4,<i>b</i> = 4.

<p>The location allocation order of VMS as <i>a</i> = 4,<i>b</i> = 4.</p

Data of index 1–10 links in test area during peak hours.

<p>Data of index 1–10 links in test area during peak hours.</p

The project schedule of VMS installation process is {4,3,7,8,6,36,5,27}, and the saturated number of VMS is 8 in test area (number in square under VMS means installation precedence order).

<p>The project schedule of VMS installation process is {4,3,7,8,6,36,5,27}, and the saturated number of VMS is 8 in test area (number in square under VMS means installation precedence order).</p

Optimizing location of variable message signs using GPS probe vehicle data - Fig 3

<p>Move direction for the tabu search algorithm (the assumed value above links indicates guidance utility if VMS located on that link): (a) two consecutive links have similar large guidance utility; (b) several consecutive links have similar large guidance utility.</p

Optimizing location of variable message signs using GPS probe vehicle data - Fig 8

<p>A glance of GPS records from taxis carrying passengers during peak hours in the study area: (a) morning peak hours; (b) evening peak hours; (c) average number of taxis with passengers per peak hour on each link.</p

Test area in Beijing urban road OpenStreetMap contributors (openstreetmap.org).

<p>Test area in Beijing urban road OpenStreetMap contributors (<a href="http://openstreetmap.org" target="_blank">openstreetmap.org</a>).</p

Flowchart of the heuristic search algorithm.

<p>Flowchart of the heuristic search algorithm.</p

Comparison of our algorithm with backtracking algorithm and field VMS.

<p>Comparison of our algorithm with backtracking algorithm and field VMS.</p

GPS data instantaneous positions during 8:00am-9:00am on Jan. 12^th, 2015 in study area.

<p>GPS data instantaneous positions during 8:00am-9:00am on Jan. 12^th, 2015 in study area.</p