Camera Placement for Traffic Counts

Short answer

Camera placement should be designed around the approved observation matrix, not around the most visually dramatic view of a site.

Before the project starts

• Map each required approach, count line and crossing.
• Confirm the full observation area is inside the frame.
• Check glare, shadows, trees, parked vehicles and future obstructions.

Practical approach

Position the source so an analyst can distinguish the required direction and movement without reconstructing it from partial clues. A wide view can be useful, but it must retain enough detail for the requested classifications.

Checks and limitations

Review a representative clip from every required period and note any blind spot before analysis starts.

A camera cannot recover movements that occur outside its frame or behind an obstruction.