*This article explains how to enable counter stations on the map and create new stations in Metroview. For an overview of the project, see Introduction to Counter Stations and Observation Data in Metroview. To learn how to add and manage observation data, see Observation Data - Add and Manage in Metroview.*
To view and/or manage counter stations, first go to Counts – Edges in the Map view.
In the Map tab, click the counter station icon in the lower-left corner of the window.
Click Enable Counter Stations.
All available counter stations in your area of interest will appear as icons on the map.
Viewing vs. Editing Data
View access: You can see counter stations and their data if they fall within your area of interest, including those added by other organizations.
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Edit access: You can edit stations and add new observations for counters created by you or by others in your Metroview organization.
Once enabled, you can click on any counter station icon to view its details, edit information, or add new observations (when permitted). You cannot edit or add data to counters created by other organizations outside of your own.
Adding a New Counter Location
Adding a new counter is done from the Counts – Edges map view, found in the Map tab.
Load edges. Edges must be visible when adding a counter station. You can do this as you zoom in to your target location, or by clicking the blue point marker icon in the lower-left corner of the map window and selecting Add New Counter Station.
Place the counter. Select the exact point on the map where the counter station is located. The affected edge(s) will highlight on the map.
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Adjust the plane of crossing (if needed).
In some areas, OpenStreetMap includes multiple parallel lines (edges) for different parts of the environment such as sidewalks, bike lanes, and vehicle lanes.
By adjusting the plane of crossing, you can specify how the counter is recording data: which edges it applies to and its orientation.
Drag and drop the two circles to align the crossing line, showing which edges are counted by your station.
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Confirm location. After setting the location (and adjusting the plane of crossing if applicable), the panel on the right will update to show:
Edges the counts will be associated with
Relevant Edge IDs and their corresponding OSM Way IDs
Latitude and longitude of the counter station
Once satisfied with the location and plane of crossing, click Confirm Location to advance to the next step, entering the details of the counter station. After creating the counter station, the details can also be edited later.
Counter Station Details
When entering or editing a counter station, you will complete the following fields:
Name (required): Give the counter station a clear name.
External ID: Enter the ID or reference number used for this station or recording.
Method (required): Select whether the data is collected manually or automatically.
Travel Mode (required): Choose the type of activity counted: Bike, Pedestrian, or All Non-Motorized.
Orientation (degrees): Direction the counter is aligned, in degrees from north.
Source: Link or reference with more information about this counter.
Date Installed: The date the counter began recording (MM/DD/YYYY).
Date Discontinued: The date the counter was removed or stopped recording (MM/DD/YYYY).
Technologies: Select all technologies used (e.g., video, tubes, infrared, inductive loops, etc.).
Notes: Add any additional details about this counter.
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