The Comparison of Animal Detection Systems in a Test-Bed: A Quantitative Comparison of System Reliability and Experiences with Operation and Maintenance (FHWA)

Primary Investigator Contact Information

Marcel Huijser
Western Transportation Institute
PO Box 174250
Bozeman, Montana 59717
406-543-2377
mhuijser@coe.montana.edu

External Project Contact(s)

Bob Seliskar
FHWA Montana Division
2880 Skyway Drive
Helena, Montana 59602
406-449-5310
bob.seliskar@fhwa.dot.gov

Mike Bousliman
Montana Department of Transportation, Maintenance Division
2701 Prospect Avenue
Helena, Montana 59620-1001
406-444-6159
mbousliman@mt.gov

Report(s)

The Comparison of Animal Detection Systems in a Test-Bed: A Quantitative Comparison of System Reliability and Experiences with Operation and Maintenance Final Report
1. Marcel P. Huijser, PhD, Tiffany D. Holland, BSc., Matt Blank, MSc., Mark C. Greenwood, PhD., Pat T. McGowen, PhD, Barrett Hubbard, & Shaowei Wang, MSc.
2. 4W0049_Final_Report.pdf
The Comparison of Animal Detection Systems in a Test-Bed: A Quantitative Comparison of System Reliability and Experiences with Operation and Maintenance - Executive Summary
1. Marcel P. Huijser, PhD, Tiffany D. Holland, BSc., Matt Blank, MSc., Mark C. Greenwood, PhD., Pat T. McGowen, PhD, Barrett Hubbard, & Shaowei Wang, MSc.
2. 4W0049_Executive_Summary.pdf

Project Objective

To evaluate different types of animal detection systems with regard to system reliability, and operation and maintenance aspects.

Project Abstract

Animal-vehicle collisions affect human safety, property and wildlife. Transportation agencies have tried to address this problem using a range of mitigation measures varying from wildlife warning signs, deer mirrors or reflectors, to fences combined with wildlife crossing structures. For this project the Western Transportation Institute at Montana State University (WTI/MSU) will evaluate a relatively new mitigation measure; animal detection systems. Animal detection systems detect large animals (e.g., deer, elk, moose) when they approach the road. When an animal is detected, signs are activated that warn drivers that large animals may be on or near the road at that time. WTI/MSU will evaluate different types of animal detection systems from different vendors at the same site and under similar circumstances. Phase 1 of the project involves designing and implementing the backbone of the “Roadside Animal Detection Systems” (RADS) test-bed in a controlled access environment, facilitating integration of animal detection systems. Selected animal detection systems will be installed in the test-bed. During phase 2, the reliability and the cost-benefit ratios of the systems will be investigated and compared. Then one or more sites in Montana will be reviewed for possible installation of the best performing animal detection system (Phase 3). Finally, WTI/MSU will provide technological transfer to transportation agencies, including the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT); vendors of animal detection systems; the general public; and the scientific community.

Task Descriptions

Recommended Performance Requirements
1. Set recommended requirements for the reliability of animal detections systems based on the research and interviews with employees of transportation agencies, vendors, and the traveling public. Compare these results to the actual performance of the systems in the test-bed and, finally, advise on standards for recommended performance of animal detection systems.
Animal Detection System Testing
1. Measure and compare the reliability of the animal detection systems based upon three parameters: 1) false negatives, 2) false positives, and 3) downtime.
Feedback to Vendors
1. Provide feedback to vendors to help them build systems that meet national ITS architecture and standards and recommended performance requirements.
Project Management and Coordination
1. Provide overall management and coordination with and among partners and funders.
RADS Test-Bed Communication System
1. Design, implement, operate and maintain the RADS test-bed communication system by utilizing a systems engineering approach.
Document Experiences
1. Gather planning, installation, and operation and maintenance experiences data from the animal detection systems in the RADS test-bed.
Site Review
1. As preparation for the possible later installation of one or more of the “best” animal detection systems, review one or more potential sites in Montana for possible installation of such systems.
National ITS Architecture and Standards
1. Monitor and document compliance of the selected RADS test-bed systems with National ITS architecture and standards. Prepare a report that includes discussion of how standards and architecture were used and incorporated in this project, challenges encountered, recommendations for modification or addition of standards, and suggestions fro the animal-vehicle market package.
Concept of Operations
1. Develop a high level Concept of Operations (ConOps) based on discussions with transportation agencies, including FHWA, MDT and animal detection system vendors.
Reporting
1. Produce a final report that draws from all previous progress reports. Make the report available in hardcopy to the funders of the study and participating vendors.
Cooperation between Transportation Agencies and Vendors
1. Document lessons learned from public-private partnerships.
Technology Transfer
1. Make the final report available, probably in pdf format on the internet, o transportation agencies, vendors of animal detections systems and other interested parties and individuals throughout North America and other continents, especially Europe. WTI/MSU will also provide outreach to the scientific community, especially road safety engineers and ecologists, through one or more scientific articles in peer-reviewed international journals and one or more presentation(s) at national and international conferences.
Animal Detection Systems Installation
1. Install selected animal detection systems in the RADS test-bed communication system.