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The most important first step to begin analyzing an intersection is gathering the equipment to record video. While a cell phone camera will likely work from a high enough vantage point of the intersection, this specific hardware guide details a more permanent, off the shelf solution. Each item on this list can be found on Amazon.com or a local hardware store, and should run no more than $150, including a camera.
A computer design of our data collection camera setup
Our hardware system was designed to sit on a flat roof and record an intersection from above. It was designed to operate under battery power for 12-14 hours and be reasonably weatherproof. The components are as follows:
- 5 ft. of 1.5 inch thick PVC pipe
- Weatherproof camera
- 32GB SD card
- Fillable umbrella base
- Portable battery
The user will also need the following to assemble the setup:
- 10 inch zip ties
- Gallon sealable bags
- 1.5 inch drywall screw
- Charge the portable battery which will power the camera.
- Open the waterproof cover on the camera for the microSD card slot and insert the microSD card.
- Mount a 1.5 inch drywall screw 2-6 inches from the top of the PVC pipe.
- Ensure the screw has grabbed and will not slip out of the PVC. The screw should be mostly exposed and will be used to anchor the camera.
- Place the camera base such that the top of the screw slides inside of the opening in the base.
- Use two zip ties to fasten the camera securely to the PVC pipe.
- Place the pipe inside the base and secure to the umbrella stand using the knob.
- Setup the camera to record locally using the instructions included with the camera.
- Plug the camera into the portable battery.
- Setup the camera at the desired location and begin recording.
- After completion, take the setup down and remove the SD card.
- Place the SD card in a computer and copy the videos on to the computer. The videos are now ready to be analyzed using the SantosTraffic suite.
