Whether it's to measure affluence in a building, analyse traffic flows in the city or optimise the use of public infrastructures, differentiated counting has become a strategic lever for many sectors. But what exactly is meant by differentiated counting, and what are the issues involved?
What is differentiated counting?
Differentiated counting involves identifying and distinguishing between different categories of user or vehicle when measuring traffic flows. Unlike simple throughput counting, this approach makes it possible to analyse footfall accurately according to precise typologies:
People counting : differentiation between adults and children, identification of groups, segmentation by type of user.
Vehicle counting: distinction between bicycles, cars, HGVs and public transport.
Counting soft mobility: separating pedestrians, scooters and bicycles to gain a better understanding of how urban infrastructure is used.
Why is differentiated counting essential?
Facilitating the implementation of public policies
Faced with environmental challenges, municipalities need accurate data to assess the impact of soft mobility. Differentiated counting can reveal, for example, an increase in the use of cycle paths and justify investment in new infrastructure.
Optimising transport infrastructure
Local authorities and transport operators use differentiated counting to better design their services. Analysing the split between pedestrians, cyclists and public transport helps to adapt facilities and improve traffic flow.
Helping to regulate traffic and tourist flows
In areas of high tourist affluence, such as historic town centres or cultural sites, differentiated counting makes it possible to anticipate peaks in visitor numbers and put in place appropriate measures (temporary pedestrianisation, increased use of public transport, access management).
What systems are needed for effective differentiated counting?
The technologies used for differentiated counting vary according to needs:
Sensors and smart cameras: counting cameras that use computer vision to distinguish between traffic flows in real time with a high degree of accuracy.
Inductive loops and on-board sensors: commonly used for vehicle counting, they differentiate between types of transport on the basis of their magnetic signatures.
Mobile data analysis: although less accurate, anonymised Wi-Fi or Bluetooth signals can be used to study the distribution of traffic flows in urban areas.
Differentiated counting is a major asset for understanding and optimising traffic flows, whether they involve users of a service, vehicles on the road or visitors to a site. By providing accurate, actionable data, it contributes to better management of spaces, infrastructures and public policies.
In a context where mobility and the use of places are changing rapidly, using differentiated counting tools is becoming an imperative for public and private players keen to optimise their services and improve the user experience.