PFS method for pedestrian origin-destination surveys of enclosed areas

Abstract Although examination of pedestrian origin-destination (OD) relations of enclosed areas such as pedestrian zones, underpasses and transport hubs is a key point in designing such infrastructure, a very few efficient methods are known in literature. This paper introduces a novel survey technique for this purpose called PFS (Pedestrian Following Survey). The main principle of PFS method is that survey personnel follow randomly chosen pedestrians without any disturbance and record their routes through the investigated area (as well as some additional data). After the observed pedestrian leaves the area (at an egress point) the surveyor chooses a new pedestrian to follow from a nearby access-point. Collected data form a sample for pedestrian movements, similarly to floating car data in road transport. After comparing PFS method to well-known survey types the mathematic model of relation between the sample and total OD matrices is described. Then results of completed surveys applying PFS method are presented. These surveys were organized at Moricz Zsigmond circus which is a major transport hub in Budapest, Hungary, and were carried out by university students. Calculated OD matrices are validated by traffic volumes of particular public transport stops and cross-sections collected from other surveys. Experience shows that PFS method can be applied with success and can provide data efficiently compared to other OD survey types.