Traffic data maps are created using the same underlying principles as demographic data maps. In order to use this selection, you must first configure the path of the traffic database in Databases>Traffic Data. To extract and display traffic data within the defined study grid, select Map>Traffic data. This brings up the Traffic Data dialog box shown here in which you can choose to plot a traffic map, select the type of traffic plot, i.e. flat grid or contours, etc., and set the colors and levels that represent the traffic data values. This dialog box can also be accessed through Map>Setup Map Layers by highlighting the traffic data layer on the map list and clicking the Style button, as well as through the Map Layers list in the Project Pane.

Show Traffic Data

This checkbox toggles the activity of the traffic data layer. Check the box to show traffic data on the map layer.

Type of Traffic Plot

The type of traffic plots that are available are:

Flat grid – traffic data density between two levels are all the same color; i.e. 60-70 are red, 70-80 are green, etc.
Contours – similar to elevation contours on a topographic map
3D – set your colors and level breakpoints, and extract and display the data in 3d (not recommended)

Traffic Attribute To Plot

Sets the traffic data density units to display communications traffic density data and uses milliErlangs or mbps (instead of persons) per square kilometer. If you are planning a cellular system, you can use the traffic map screen to display traffic or call origination data that is stored in an ASCII-format datafile as described in Appendix D.

Set Color Levels

You can set the levels, colors, and symbols for your traffic map by clicking on the Set color levels button. For all traffic plot types except contour, the following Traffic Composite Color Levels dialog box will appear:

Number of Levels

Set the number of levels to make up your plot. The maximum number of levels is 10

Auto Color and Range

This selection opens the Color Map Auto Range Selection dialog box where you can select the minimum/maximum and increments for the traffic data density values as well as the colors and values used for the map display.

Color/Symbol/traffic data density value

Clicking on a field in the Color column brings up a color picker for setting the color of that traffic data density type. Clicking the Symbol drop-down list allows for changing the symbol displayed. Normally it’s set to a solid color, fully filling the bin at that location. While it’s possible to use other symbols, this is not recommended as it can make the display very difficult to interpret. You can also change the value of the traffic data density type.