Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is iNode Flow?

iNode Flow is SMATS' advanced traffic data analytics platform. It transforms raw trip observations into actionable insights about speeds, travel times, traffic volumes, and network performance, enabling agencies to understand how their roadways have operated over days, months, or years.

Q2. What modules are available in iNode Flow?

iNode Flow includes five modules: Traffic Stats, Origin-Destination (OD), Route Monitoring, TMC Analysis, and Junction.

Q3. What data source powers iNode Flow?

iNode Flow is powered by high-resolution GPS probe data collected from connected GPS devices, embedded vehicle telematics systems, and GPS-enabled mobile phones. This data is continuously archived, creating a robust historical traffic database.

Q4. How current is the data — can I run a study for today?

Data is typically available with a one-day lag, meaning studies can be submitted for as recent as yesterday or today. However, to achieve optimal sample sizes and the highest data quality, it is recommended to wait up to 72 hours before submitting a study, as some GPS data providers deliver data with delays beyond 24 hours.

Q5. What metrics does the Traffic Stats module provide?

Traffic Stats delivers speeds (average, median, harmonic, and percentile, plus speed variability), travel times (average, median, and percentile, including a Travel-time Planning Time Index for reliability analysis), and estimated volume.

Q6. What study types are available in the Traffic Stats module?

The Traffic Stats module offers two study types: Area Traffic Stats and Route Traffic Stats. Users select a geographic boundary, define a date range and time sets, choose a map (Orbis or Genesis), and confirm the study before receiving results with visualizations and data exports.

Q7. How does the iNode credit system work?

iNode uses an on-demand credit model to track distance-based usage. One iNode credit equals one mile (1.61 km). For Traffic Stats, total credits are calculated as the sum of route or area network lengths multiplied by the number of date ranges selected.

Q8. What are "shadow studies" and why do they consume extra credits?

Shadow studies are automatically generated when a selected date range spans different day types (weekday vs. weekend) or crosses month boundaries. They ensure accurate traffic volume modeling by establishing representative probe samples for weekdays, weekends, and each month included in the study. Each shadow study consumes credits equal to the user-defined route length.

Q9. What can the Origin-Destination (OD) module be used for?

The OD module is used to identify travel demand corridors, support land use and zoning decisions, measure route choice dynamics (e.g., how construction or events shift travel flows), and evaluate demand management strategies. It supports three study types: Region-based, Selected Link/Region, and Flow Links.

Q10. What does the TMC Analysis module do, and how does it differ from a traditional count?

The TMC module is purpose-built for intersection-level volume estimation, providing turning movement volumes (left, through, right) for a selected intersection and time period. It is intended to complement traditional counts by offering scalable, time-filterable intersection volume insights without requiring on-site data collection.