DataPoint supports the import of turning movement counts in 5- and 15-minute intervals. Counts can be uploaded with passenger vehicles, heavy vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrian data. Jamar’s PetraPro software is the easiest way to create DataPoint-compatible turning movement count files.
1) Create a new count in PetraPro (File > New)
The settings below will create a count beginning at 6:00 AM on April 15th, 2021. Note that the number of classes is set to “3.”
Note: The Station ID goes in the Site Code field, but the field on this modal only accepts integers. If your Stations contain alpha characters, you can enter the Station after the count is created using the Edit Header modal.
2) Confirm the approaches in the count match with the approaches in the DataPoint Station.
The example below shows an empty count file for an intersection with four approaches. The three class tabs are shown in the top left.
For a Station with three approaches, remove the non-existing approach from the count file. Select the unneeded columns one at a time and choose Edit > Delete Column from the menu. DataPoint will not accept count data where the approaches do not match up with the approaches in DataPoint.
At this time, DataPoint does not support intersections with five or more legs.
If needed for convenience, the order of the approaches can be moved on from the General tab of the Preferences modal:
Notes:
- The group headers above will not read into DataPoint. “From North” must read “Southbound,” and “From East” must read “Westbound.” These can be changed in File > Preferences > Wording.
- The order of the movements (Right/Thru/Left above) can be updated in File > Preferences > Select Side.
3) Paste the data from your external source into the PetraPro count file.
Movements: PetraPro defaults to Right/Thru/Left for the movement order. Adjust the order of the movements if your external source lists them in a different order. DataPoint will import the movements correctly regardless of the order.
Be aware of the three class tabs when pasting in data from your external source. Data will be imported into DataPoint as follows:
Class 1 – Passenger vehicles – Left/Thru/Right/U-turns
Class 2 – Heavy vehicles – Left/Thru/Right/U-turns
Class 3 – Bicycles (Left/Thru/Right) and Pedestrians by approach (U-turns)
Class 4 – Bicycles in crosswalks (Thru)
Note: Any class can be left blank (e.g. to upload a pedestrian-only count, paste data into the U-turns column of Class 3).
4) Export the count data to an ASCII .txt file (File > Export > ASCII Text)
Match export settings to those shown below.
