Validation of Traffic Simulation Model Output Using High-Resolution Video by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Traffic simulation models can provide a cost-effective and flexible alternative to evaluate the various roadway designs and traffic management alternatives. To do so, we first need to ensure that the models are appropriately calibrated to reflect the existing conditions. The use of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has gained particular attention in the transportation infrastructure industry. On a nationwide scale, there has been a trend to incorporate UAV in traffic operations such as traffic monitoring and infrastructure management activities which include bridge and roadway inspections. The goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of utilizing UAV to validate traffic simulation model outputs. To that end, two simulation models of an intersection in Auburn, Alabama, were developed using Synchro and VISSIM simulation software. The high-resolution video and photographic data collected by UAV were employed to validate that the models reflect the existing traffic operations at the study intersection. Simulation models were calibrated and compared with results obtained from drone videos. The results showed that UAVs have the potential to improve the validation procedure of traffic simulation by providing complete pictures of traffic movements at entire intersections.