Simulation Experiments for an Approximate Definition of the Macroscopic Fundamental Diagram

The paper presents some exploratory experiments for defining a Macroscopic Fundamental Diagram starting from data collected in some specific sensor network layouts, that is by just monitoring the cordon of a study area. Variables defined in the original proposition of the MFD where here re-defined by just considering the number of vehicles estimated to be present in the study area (N) by means of this layout. We found that in some cases a strong correlation among defined variables can be found, and also similar patterns in the depicted MFD are evidenced. Findings of the paper are limited, given the limited amount of simulation performed, and also considering the limited number of factors varied in the simulations; as expected, results seem to be strongly affected by the traffic demand. Apart that, the approach is worth to be investigated, because this kind of layout is becoming very common in some urban contexts (e.g. in Italy)