Floating car data is a method of traffic monitoring that uses the GPS signals of smartphones or onboard navigation systems in active traffic. Instead of relying on stationary road sensors, traffic engineers use this aggregated, anonymized data to calculate average speeds, identify bottlenecks, and map congestion across an entire road network. It provides a highly accurate picture of travel times without the need for physical infrastructure.
We noticed a sudden drop in speeds on the northbound lanes, and the floating car data confirms a phantom jam is forming.
Also heard as
- FCD
- probe vehicle data
Related terms
Phantom jam
A traffic bottleneck that forms on a highway without any physical obstruction or crash.
ITS
Intelligent transportation system, a network of sensors and communication tools used to manage traffic flow.
Intelligent transportation system
The application of sensing, analysis and communication technologies to surface transportation networks.