Gap acceptance analysis in an urban intersection through a video acquired by an UAV

Abstract

Purpose of this paper is to apply a methodology previously developed to achieve an accurate measurements of the real traffic condition thought the use of a video acquired by an UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and a probe vehicle equipped with a differential GPS. The used methodology is not invasive and thus, it doesn't influence the driver behavior. The used equipment must not be compared to the traditional techniques of traffic flow but it can be used for particular situations in which the installation of fixed detectors is not economic. In particular, we have analyzed the gap acceptance for an urban intersection between a main road with dual carriageway and two lanes in one direction, that connects the older town of Palermo with a main access roads (via E. Basile) and a secondary road used for local traffic and composed by a single carriageway with one lane for each direction (via U. Solarino).