Map Matching Algorithm for Real-Time Data Processing of Non-route GPS Data in Seoul

Global Positioning System (GPS) data are satellite-based longitude and latitude coordinates for which map matching with road links, which are electronic maps, may be used in traffic operation management. Various studies have been conducted to improve the accuracy of map matching; however, research on the application of map matching algorithms for real-time data processing systems has not been widely conducted. Therefore, this study investigated a map matching algorithm that can shorten the processing time required for application to systems that process large volumes of GPS data collected for a wide network. To reduce the processing time, a candidate link selection method and a grid-type geospatial indexing process were designed. The processing time was analyzed based on an emulator before applying the map matching algorithm to the Transport Operation and Information Service Center, which generates the real-time travel speed data in Seoul City. The results obtained from comparing the prior and new algorithms showed a 96% decrease in the processing time. We believe that the findings of this study will benefit the real-time processing of GPS data, which are expected to be used in various ways in traffic operations and management in the future.