Every year, the Department conducts traffic census covering 1,923 kilometers of roads, which account for 87.8% of the 2,189 kilometers of trafficable roads in Hong Kong.
For decades, the Department has been using various methods, such as using video detectors, loop detectors, rubber air-tubes and manual counts, to collect traffic flow data. However, these traditional detectors face challenges such as high cost, difficulty in installation and maintenance, and limited coverage due to the need for specific installation locations. Additionally, data processing requires specialised software and expertise, and takes a lot of time. The traditional detectors may also be prone to damage or malfunction, leading to data loss. Therefore, alternative methods such as using mobile positioning data to estimate traffic volume are being explored.
In recent years, the use of mobile positioning data from mobile devices as a data source to estimate average daily traffic volume has become increasingly popular. Mobile positioning data has the advantages of being cost-effective, passively collected, and not requiring specialised hardware or personnel, making it an attractive choice for the Department to collect traffic data. Furthermore, mobile location data can provide more comprehensive coverage of roads and highways, including rural areas where traditional detectors may not be installed, which is particularly useful for traffic planning and infrastructure development.
