How we made traffic counting more efficient through digitization
“Cooperation with the Commity team was crucial for the success of the whole project. The digitization of the National Traffic Count opened up completely new possibilities for us to plan and organize this huge logistics project more efficiently. Thanks to the mobile app and web portal, we were able to monitor the progress of the counting in real time, eliminate errors caused by manual data transcription and significantly reduce the costs of organization. In addition, it turned out that the new technology not only saved time, but also resulted in greater satisfaction of the ''counters'', which was quite crucial.
We also appreciate the professional approach of the whole team and their ability to deliver a comprehensive solution in such a short time. The system they developed has subsequently been used in Slovakia and Hungary. After minor modifications, it is basically usable in any country. It is comprehensive, stable, versatile and of high quality."
Daniel Čudlý, Head of Data Collection, Ipsos
Ipsos, a globally recognized leader in public opinion polling and research, approached us with a request to digitize the National Traffic Count. This counting takes place every five years and involves thousands of counting points throughout the Czech Republic. Its goal is to obtain accurate data on road traffic, which serves as a key basis for planning and developing transport infrastructure. Ipsos wanted to streamline this demanding and manual process and thereby reduce costs.
„Papers, transcripts, tediousness, and mistakes!“
Before our project was implemented, traffic counting was done entirely manually: teams of "counters" recorded vehicle passages on paper forms at thousands of locations. This process was:
- Logistically challenging: Ensuring data accuracy and reliability required extensive organization.
- Faulty: Manually transcribing data from paper forms into digital form was time-consuming and prone to errors.
- Difficult to control: On-site control of counting teams was limited and irregular.
We have therefore defined our goals as follows:
- Completely eliminate paper forms for measuring vehicle traffic
- Minimize potential measurement errors
- Enable real-time monitoring of the counting process
- Automate the organization of tens of thousands of shifts and thousands of counters
Mobile application
For data collection, we have developed native applications for Android and iOS that are designed to meet the specific requirements of field work. Key features include:
- Offline mode: The applications function fully even without an internet connection. Collected data is stored locally and automatically sent to the server once the signal is restored.
- Navigation to the counting location: Counting teams use integrated navigation to guide them to the exact locations designated for counting.
- Data recording: The applications allow for easy recording of vehicle passages according to their categories, including a time stamp for each event.
- Data security: All data is encrypted and protected against unauthorized access.
„No more transcribing records, everything is immediately stored in real time and securely on the server.“
Web portal for organization
To manage the entire process, we have developed a web application that provides robust tools for:
- Counting point management: Administrators can easily add, edit, and manage counting points in the map interface.
- Shift planning: The system automatically suggests suitable counters for unassigned shifts based on their availability, previous experience, and location.
- Real-time counting monitoring: Administrators monitor shift progress, counter locations, and resolve issues such as delays or missing counters.
- Data analysis: The system allows you to visualize the collected data in tables and graphs, compare it with past shifts, and export it for further processing.
- Counter view: Allows for easy registration and login for shifts, an overview of training and contracts and shifts worked, and tools for communicating with administrators.
„Data verification is instantaneous thanks to the graphical display of vehicle passages.”
Our solution covers all key aspects of traffic counting, from planning and organizing shifts to analyzing and exporting data, ensuring that the entire project runs smoothly.
Development process
Given the fixed start date for the count, we implemented the project in an extremely short time frame of four months. Our team was divided according to individual applications, and each member focused on their part of the solution. We proceeded agilely with regular iterations and feedback from the client.
„The main thing is to get everything done and fine-tuned by the deadline!“
Evaluation
By digitizing the entire counting process, all of the initial goals were achieved. In addition, it turned out that with the mobile application, counters were able to record vehicles faster and more accurately. They were thus able to count a larger volume of vehicles on busy roads. As a result, the number of counters could be reduced in many sections, leading to significant savings in human labor.
The system was successfully deployed for the National Traffic Count in 2016, 2021, in Slovakia (2022), and for ad-hoc client counts in Hungary. After the necessary updates, we plan to deploy it again for the 2025 Count.
The successful Traffic Count project and subsequent close cooperation with the Ipsos agency stood at the beginning of the creation of Commity.cz.