Network analysis using traffic data

Performing a time-dependent network analysis requires taking the general steps described below.

Note:

Exercise 11 in the Network Analyst tutorial provides data and detailed instructions on how to perform a service area analysis using traffic data.

1. Configure historical traffic in a network dataset.

2. Optionally, configure live traffic in the network dataset and download live traffic data using the Update Traffic Data geoprocessing tool. If you connect to a traffic geoprocessing service from ArcGIS Online, you don't need to run any geoprocessing tools because the data is downloaded for you.

3. Add the network dataset as a layer to ArcMap.

4. Create and set up a network analysis layer.

5. On the Analysis Settings tab of the analysis layer's Layer Properties dialog box, choose a traffic-based cost attribute (typically named TravelTime), then specify a time and date in the same dialog box.

   Note:

   For the vehicle routing problem analysis layer, you specify a date on the Layer Properties window and specify the start time, and optionally a start date, in the properties of each route object. Time windows on various network analysis objects can also be set.

   Caution:

   Setting a time and date using ArcMap's Time Slider window only changes the display of traffic. The time slider has absolutely no influence on the results of a network analysis.

6. Solve the analysis.

For details on how to set and solve each type of analysis using traffic, see their respective help topics:

RouteClosest facilityLocation-allocationOD cost matrixService areaVehicle routing problem