Traffic video processing from supplied footage
Traffic video processing converts approved footage into a structured observation dataset. The project brief defines the locations, approaches or count lines, road-user classes, turning movements, lanes, time intervals and required output before production review begins.
This supports traffic survey and engineering teams that already have suitable footage and need vehicle counting from video, movement-level extraction, classification or other agreed observations. SWAT Alliance does not represent this as a local field-survey deployment or an unsupported automated-counting service.
What traffic video analysis provides
Project footage is reviewed against a defined scope to create data on movements, volumes, vehicle classes, pedestrians, bicycles, queues or other agreed observations. Outputs can follow an agreed project structure or client template when its fields and definitions are confirmed during scoping.
The role of human analysts
Analysts apply movement rules, class definitions and exceptions consistently. Checks focus on complete observation coverage, valid interval structures and conformity with the approved delivery format.
Footage requirements for traffic counting
Suitability depends on what the study needs to identify—not a single universal camera specification. Representative clips should be checked against the observation matrix before full processing begins. Large videos are not accepted through the public website form; an approved secure-transfer workflow is arranged after scoping.
Coverage
The required approaches, lanes, count lines, crossings and queue reference points remain visible.
Continuity
Files cover the agreed periods with a usable clock, time zone and no unexplained gaps.
Identification
Resolution, angle and lighting support the requested road-user and vehicle-class detail.
Site references
Location labels, camera references and the observation matrix use the same naming structure.
Video quality and limitations
Camera angle, height, field of view, resolution, night conditions, weather, glare, trees, signs, shake, distance and multi-lane overlap affect the detail that can be observed. A hidden or indistinguishable vehicle should follow the approved grouped or exception treatment.
QA/QC for video-derived traffic data
Quality review checks the agreed periods, interval structure, movement and class logic, visible source limitations, output completeness and recorded exceptions. Review cannot restore an observation hidden by the source, so limitations remain documented rather than converted into assumed detail.
Structured traffic video deliverables
Depending on scope, delivery may include fixed-interval count tables, approach or lane summaries, turning movement matrices, project-specific classification splits, active-travel observations, method notes, source limitations and QA/QC records. The final structure is agreed before processing.
Frequently asked questions
What information is needed before analysis begins?
Locations, dates, footage details, observation periods, movement definitions, class scheme, intervals and expected output make the scope clear.
Can video analysis support multi-location projects?
Yes. Each location should have a defined observation area and clear instructions where movements or classifications differ.
What makes traffic footage suitable?
The required approaches, lanes or count line should remain visible at a usable resolution with stable timing. Angle, distance, glare, weather and occlusion determine the detail that can be reported.
Can you analyse footage supplied by another survey team?
Yes, when the source files, site references, time zone, coverage and data dictionary are supplied and the footage supports the requested observation.
Can traffic video analysis include vehicle classification?
Yes. Classification can be added to links, approaches, movements or intervals when the project class rules and visible evidence support it.
How are difficult or hidden observations handled?
The approved exception rule is followed. An observation may be grouped, marked uncertain or excluded from a detailed split; it is not guessed.