Macroscopic Traffic Models

Macroscopic traffic models examine traffic flow similarly to fluids, focusing on large-scale patterns rather than individual vehicles. They analyze how traffic density (cars per mile), flow rate (cars passing a point per hour), and speed interact to predict congestion and travel times. These models help transportation planners optimize infrastructure, manage congestion, and improve safety by understanding how changes in one aspect affect overall traffic behavior. Essentially, they treat traffic as a continuous flow, providing insights into the collective movement of vehicles on roads.