*Counter Stations and Observation Data in Metroview build a richer picture of movement patterns and prepares for Total Trip Estimates. Read this overview, then follow by reviewing Counter Stations - Add and Manage in Metroview and Observation Data - Add and Manage in Metroview*
What is Counter Data in Metroview?
In Metroview, we are now collecting data from bicycle and pedestrian counters to deepen the understanding of movement patterns in various locations. This data primarily consists of numerical counts of bicycle and pedestrian activities that have passed a specific point during a defined period of time.
Specifically, for each counter reading, you will be inputting:
- Counter Information: Details about the counter itself, such as its unique ID, exact location (latitude and longitude), the date it was installed, and potentially a URL where more information about the counter or its raw data can be found.
- Observation Data: The actual number of bicycles or pedestrians detected by the counter for a given time period. This will include the specific date of the count and the duration of the count (e.g., 15 minutes, hourly, daily, monthly, yearly).
Why are we collecting this data?
We’ve heard you! Over the years, Metro partners like you have let us know that you’d like to be able to see your counter data alongside the Metroview data, and now you can!
This effort to input counter data in Metroview will also be a major component of an upcoming feature: Total Trip Estimates! Many Metro partners take the Metro data and correlate it with their counter data, running complex analyses to make an estimate of total ridership numbers. With this counter data in our system, we’ll be able to do this for you, getting your infrastructure planning projects up and running even faster.
How is this data added?
In the initial toolset, counter stations and observation data are added manually in Metroview. Automated data feeds, external APIs, or bulk uploads are not currently supported. We know many partners are interested in connecting existing open data sources, and your feedback will help us evaluate these options for future phases.
How will it appear in Metroview?
Once added, counter stations will become part of the Metroview experience:
On the Map Page: Counter locations will be visible as distinct icons. Clicking an icon opens summary information about the counter and its counts.
Future Feature: Total Trip Estimates: Counter data will be correlated with Metroview trips to automatically generate ridership estimates. This will save effort and provide a more complete and accurate picture of active transportation in your area of interest.
By adding counter stations and their data, you are building a richer and more comprehensive view that supports smarter planning and decision-making for your community.
Who will be able to see it?
Counter data in Metroview is designed to encourage collaboration and shared understanding.
Within Your Organization: All Metroview users in your organization can view and edit counters and counts entered by your team.
Across Organizations: Metroview users in other organizations who have access to the same area of interest can view your counters and counts. They cannot edit records created by your organization.
This shared visibility ensures a more complete dataset is available to transportation professionals, supporting coordinated planning across agencies and jurisdictions.
Why is it important to participate?
Your counter data is critical to both the success of this project and the launch of Total Trip Estimates.
Responding to partner demand: Seeing counter station data in Metroview has been one of the top requests from our partners.
Fueling Total Trip Estimates: Counter station data is the key ingredient for automating ridership estimates and saving staff resources.
Creating a more complete picture: The more counter station data added, the more accurate and useful the insights.
Enhancing collaboration: Shared data makes it easier for agencies working in the same regions to coordinate efforts.
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