A new framework for high-resolution pedestrian data processing using rule-based algorithms and real-time alarm systems

Pedestrian flows and densities have increased in recent years within transport-related public facilities such as train stations, as well as in private buildings such as shopping centers, event halls or convention centers. Increasing flows and high densities often raise comfort, safety, operational and delay issues; and therefore, require pedestrian flow optimization, intervention or even revised regulation. Recent technological advances enhanced pedestrian sensing; however, they disregard adaptive data capture, processing, and strategic communication within reasonable time, or real-time, such as tactic occupancy or density alarms trigger rules. Content of this research is twofold. First, new data capturing and processing advances of recent technological developments are combined in an integral software and hardware-based framework. Second, applied methods highlight projects and experiences on both pedestrian research and on existing and operating pedestrian facilities. Based on the described, two-sided approach, proposed framework is able to fulfil high safety and comfort standards of facilities such as train stations, retail facilities or event halls. In this research, past semi-automatic video analysis processing of pedestrian behavioral studies is replaced with combined sensor and data processing system within proposed framework. In train stations of major operators, real-time pedestrian observation increases safety levels on station platforms. Tactic algorithms and alarm trigger schemes enable on-time surveillance, e.g. at overcrowded floor levels in shopping centers for escalator or door closure. Sensor data is used to train models for underpass pedestrian flow regarding path choice and fundamental diagram. In retail, queue length, trajectory analysis and floor occupancy are determined for economic, comfort as well as safety evaluation. Using trajectory classification, movement and dwell time is analyzed for staff and visitors separately (see Figure 1)

Destination choice modeling with spatially distributed constraints

Destination choice models are a key component of any transport and land use model, for scenario evaluation and forecast. Destination choice models describe highly complex decisions between spatially distributed alternatives. Employed explanatory variables usually include generalized travel cost for available transport modes, personal attributes such as age, income and also situational attributes like trip purpose. New kind of destination choice models account for information on individuals and exploit agent-based modeling advantages. In existing literature, already applied methodologies often stem from econometrics, discrete choice theory and utility maximization; estimating parameters on revealed or stated individual choice behavior

Extraction and evaluation of transportation network grammars for efficient planning applications

Grammars, with their generic approach and broad application potential in many planning fields, are accepted as adaptable and efficient tools for design and planning applications, bridging design rules and technical planning requirements. This paper provides a formal introduction of grammars for effective consolidation and application, including a rule-based notation and required specification information. Two proposed grammar evaluation methods - based on technical planning knowledge and using recent computational development - foster understanding of a grammar’s effects, often missing in other definitions. Knowledge gained enables efficient grammar rule application, e.g. in burgeoning planning software. This research focuses particularly on urban network design and road intersection grammars to validate proposed grammar evaluation methods. Results are specified in the proposed grammar notation with corresponding application specifications. Results generally show that network topology and intersection type choice both depend on transport mode characteristics and flow. Specifically, medium dense gridiron networks are car-efficient in terms of travel costs and reliability at urban densities, when combined with high road and intersection capacities. Pedestrian networks ideally have higher intersection and road densities with lower capacities than car networks. Highly meshed networks improve overall travel cost efficiencies for all transport modes at various flow levels

Shape grammars overview and assessment for transport and urban design: Review, terminology, assessment, and application

ISSN:1938-784

Shape grammars overview and assessment for transport and urban design: Review, terminology, assessment, and application

Shape grammars for urban design have attracted much interest in research and practice. Transport and urban planners increasingly deploy shape grammars, especially in simulations and procedural models. Shape grammars have multiple advantages due to their interdisciplinary and straightforward approach and low computational requirements. In addition, a rule-based design method and underlying fundamental research knowledge can potentially support future planning and design guidelines for handbooks and norms. However, little is known about the effectiveness of shape grammars in transport networks and urban environments. The proposed methodology aims at a future development of a robust and effective language for sustainable urban development. The theory of different fields is consolidated for a general grammar definition. Grammars require specified and corresponding objectives and application specifications for enhanced implementation. The proposed methodology for grammar rule assessment is based on elasticities to gain more insights in the effect of the rules. Elasticities allow comprehensive comparisons and verification between grammar rules. The paper reviews and highlights the key achievements and applications of shape grammars in cognate fields of science. Terminology sheds light on the definitions of most relevant terms including a general definition for grammar rules embedded in the language context. The paper differentiates methodological approaches in grammar design assessment and emphasizes a standardized approach for shape grammar definitions. The paper concludes with a detailed example for grammar rule assessment and potential future research

Extraction and evaluation of transportation network grammars for efficient planning applications

Grammars, with their generic approach and broad application potential in many planning fields, are accepted as adaptable and efficient tools for design and planning applications, bridging design rules and technical planning requirements. This paper provides a formal introduction of grammars for effective consolidation and application, including a rule-based notation and required specification information. Two proposed grammar evaluation methods – based on technical planning knowledge and using recent computational development – foster understanding of a grammar’s effects, often missing in other definitions. Knowledge gained enables efficient grammar rule application, e.g. in burgeoning planning software. This research focuses particularly on urban network design and road intersection grammars to validate proposed grammar evaluation methods. Results are specified in the proposed grammar notation with corresponding application specifications. Results generally show that network topology and intersection type choice both depend on transport mode characteristics and flow. Specifically, medium-dense gridiron networks are car-efficient in terms of travel costs and reliability at urban densities, when combined with high road and intersection capacities. Pedestrian networks ideally have higher intersection and road densities with lower capacities than car networks. Highly meshed networks improve overall travel cost efficiencies for all transport modes at various flow levels