1.1 Traffic monitoring truth-in-data is the disclosure of how data are managed from field data collection through evaluation, acceptance, summarization and reporting. Through this disclosure, truth-in-data permits traffic monitoring summary statistics to be recalculated from the base data.

1.1.1 Truth-in-data can be applied in all traffic monitoring programs at all levels of investment and development. Temporary manual field activities and permanent data gathering installations share a common interest in and need for the ability to check and confirm reported traffic statistics. This is the irreducible minimum for both sharing traffic data over time within an agency, and at a point of time and over time among agencies.

1.1.2 Truth-in-data also permits alternative assessment of the base data. The ability to recalculate traffic statistics from base data provides the opportunity to use different assumptions or to apply different adjustment factors. As understanding of traffic data proceeds, truth-in-data permits equivalent longitudinal assessment of traffic summary statistics through consistent adjustment and treatment of base data over a study period.

1.1.3 Truth-in-data is the foundation for all traffic monitoring programs because of its applicability to all traffic monitoring programs, its support of meaningful sharing of data among diverse programs, and its contribution to understanding and applying data for the improvement of traffic management.

1.2 Units - The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.