ATCC Survey — Automatic Traffic Counter Classifier (Video-AI)
AI video-based vehicle counting and classification per IRC SP 19 — accepted by NHAI
An ATCC (Automatic Traffic Counter Classifier) survey records and classifies every vehicle passing a highway section continuously for 7 days × 24 hours, sorted into the 17-class IRC SP 19 vehicle scheme. NKMPV runs ATCC surveys using video-based AI classification — faster and more accurate than manual counters or pneumatic tubes — and is NABL-accredited (TC-14144 under ISO/IEC 17025:2017) for ATCC reporting accepted by NHAI, BoT/HAM concessionaires, and state PWDs across India.
What Is an ATCC Survey?
Survey Parameters & Output Data
The following parameters are recorded and computed from a 7-day continuous ATCC video-AI survey. Outputs are formatted to comply with IRC SP 19, IRC SP 84 (Manual for Concessioning), IRC 37, and NHAI DPR requirements.
| Parameter | Value / Range | Unit | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Classification Scheme | 17-class per IRC SP 19 (2W, 3W, car/jeep/van, mini-bus, bus, LCV-pax, LCV-goods, 2-axle truck, 3-axle, 4/5/6/7+-axle MAV, tractor with 1/2 trailers, ADV, bicycle) | categories | IRC SP 19 Cl. 4.3 / Annexure 4-1 |
| Survey Duration | 7 consecutive days × 24 hours continuous (per IRC SP 19 / SP 84 minimum) | days | IRC SP 19 Cl. 4.2 |
| Classification Accuracy (video-AI vs ground-truth) | ≥ 95% (validated against 10% manual ground-truth sample per station) | % | Internal QA per IRC SP 19 validation protocol |
| Time Resolution (raw data) | Per-vehicle event log with timestamp, direction, lane, speed; aggregated to 15-min and hourly bins | minutes | IRC SP 19 Cl. 4.4 |
| Average Daily Traffic (ADT) | Computed from 7-day total / 7 | vehicles/day | IRC SP 19 / IRC 37 Cl. 5.2 |
| Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) | ADT × seasonal correction factor (per IRC region) × day-of-week factor | vehicles/day | IRC 37 Cl. 5.2 / IRC 9 |
| Vehicle Damage Factor (VDF) | Computed per class from paired axle load survey, fourth-power law | dimensionless | IRC 37 Table 2 / IRC 81 |
| Design Traffic (Cumulative MSA) | 10/15/20/30-year cumulative standard axles, per IRC 37 formula | msa | IRC 37 Cl. 5.3 |
| Directional Distribution Factor | Computed per direction from 7-day data | dimensionless | IRC 37 Cl. 5.1 |
| Peak Hour Factor | AM peak / PM peak / overall peak (volume-to-capacity ratio per IRC 106) | dimensionless | IRC 106 |
Applicable Indian Standards
Manual for Survey, Investigation and Preparation of Road Projects — defines the 17-class vehicle classification and ATCC survey methodology
Manual of Specifications and Standards for Six-Laning of National Highways — traffic data requirements for BoT/HAM concession projects
Guidelines for the Design of Flexible Pavements — design traffic MSA computation methodology
Traffic Census on Non-Urban Roads — establishes seasonal correction factors and AADT estimation
Guidelines for Capacity of Urban Roads in Plain Areas — peak-hour volume and capacity analysis
MoRTH circulars on traffic data acceptance for NHAI DPRs and BoT/HAM concession monitoring
Equipment Used
Video-AI ATCC System (Primary)
High-resolution roadside camera + edge-compute classifier
Continuous 7-day recording at 30 fps; on-edge AI classifies into IRC SP 19 17 categories with timestamp, direction, lane, and speed; ≥ 95% accuracy benchmarked against manual ground-truth
CalibratedAI Classification Software (NKMPV in-house)
Deep-learning vehicle classifier trained on Indian fleet imagery (auto-rickshaws, MAVs, tractor-trailers, ADVs)
Per-vehicle event log; 17-class scheme; handles night vision, monsoon, and partial-occlusion scenarios; validated against IRC SP 19 visual classifier reference set
ValidatedIR Night-Vision Camera Module
Active IR illuminator with CMOS sensor
Maintains classification accuracy in zero-ambient-light conditions across the 18:00-06:00 window when classification is hardest for human counters
CalibratedPneumatic Tube ATCC (Backup)
Heavy-duty rubber tube + multi-channel data logger
Backup axle-count and speed measurement deployed when video sight-lines are obstructed; classification limited to axle-based scheme (5-6 categories) per IRC SP 19 Annexure
CalibratedManual Classified Count Team (Validation)
Trained surveyors with handheld tally counters
Conducts a minimum 10% ground-truth sample (typically 16 hours per 7-day station, distributed across day/night/weekend) for independent validation of AI classification accuracy per IRC SP 19 QA protocol
Trained per IRC SP 19Power Supply & Data Storage
Solar + battery backup with 4G/LTE upload capability
Zero-power-failure 7-day continuous recording; raw video archived locally and to cloud; client receives full unedited footage for independent verification
TestedSurvey Process
Site Reconnaissance & Station Selection
1-2 daysThe team visits the project corridor to identify ATCC station locations per IRC SP 19 spacing requirements (typically every 25-50 km on long corridors, plus traffic-influence-area stations near intersections, settlements, and agricultural belts). Each station is selected on a straight, level mid-block section away from intersections, bus stops, and toll plazas. GPS coordinates and lane configuration are recorded.
Camera Mounting & Sight-Line Validation
Half dayCameras are mounted on roadside poles or temporary masts at the height and angle that gives unobstructed view of all lanes in both directions. The AI system runs a 30-minute calibration sweep — sample frames are reviewed for plate visibility, occlusion patterns, sun-glare windows, and headlight bloom. If sight-lines are compromised, a backup pneumatic-tube ATCC is laid as a redundant counter.
7-Day × 24-Hour Continuous Recording
7 daysCameras record continuously for 7 consecutive days × 24 hours per IRC SP 19 minimum survey duration. The AI classifier runs in real-time on the edge device and uploads per-vehicle event logs to the cloud every 15 minutes. The field team conducts daily QA visits to verify camera integrity, IR illumination, power supply, and to download raw footage.
Manual Ground-Truth Validation Sample
Concurrent with Step 3A trained classification team conducts manual counts for a stratified 10% sample (typically four 4-hour windows distributed across day/night/peak/weekend). AI-classified output is compared event-by-event against manual records; any class with < 95% match triggers re-training of the AI model on that class's frames before final classification is locked.
AI Classification Refinement & Final Output
2-3 daysAfter the 7-day recording closes, the full footage is re-processed in batch mode with the validated model. Any frames flagged low-confidence are visually verified by the analyst team. Output is the per-vehicle event log: timestamp, direction, lane, IRC SP 19 class, speed, and frame reference for audit trail.
Traffic Analysis & MSA Computation
2-3 daysADT is computed from the 7-day total. AADT is derived using IRC 37 / IRC 9 seasonal correction factors. Combined with paired axle load survey data, Vehicle Damage Factor (VDF) is calculated per class using the fourth-power law. Design traffic in cumulative MSA is computed for the specified design life using N = 365 × A × D × F × [(1+r)^n − 1] / r per IRC 37 Cl. 5.3. Hourly distribution charts, peak-hour factors, and class-distribution pies are generated.
Report Compilation & Delivery
3-5 daysThe final ATCC report includes: (1) classified hourly and daily volume tables for all 17 IRC classes, (2) ADT/AADT computation worksheets, (3) directional distribution and peak-hour analysis, (4) VDF and design-traffic MSA worksheets, (5) per-station class-distribution charts, (6) sample video frames per class as classification evidence, (7) raw per-vehicle event log in CSV, and (8) an executive summary formatted to NHAI DPR / BoT concession requirements. Reports are delivered with NABL accreditation reference and signed by NABL-recognised assessors.
Where ATCC Surveys Are Used
Further reading: ATCC vs Manual Traffic Count — Why Video-AI Wins on Accuracy, Speed and Evidence — head-to-head comparison of video-AI, pneumatic-tube and manual classified-count methods on Indian highway projects.
- ATCC Survey Cost in India — Pricing Guide for NHAI, BoT/HAM & DPR Projects — per-station rates, multi-station discount bands, and how to budget ATCC in your DPR or concession agreement.
- IRC SP 19 ATCC Survey Procedure — Step-by-Step Guide for NHAI Consultants — station spacing, 17-class scheme, 7-day coverage, validation and AADT/VDF/MSA conversion.
Detailed Information
NKMPV provides video-AI ATCC (Automatic Traffic Counter Classifier) survey services across India for highway, expressway, and urban infrastructure projects. Our surveys deliver classified, continuous, 7-day × 24-hour traffic data per IRC SP 19, accepted by NHAI, NHIDCL, state PWDs, and BoT/HAM concessionaires.
NKMPV's ATCC method uses high-resolution roadside cameras with edge-deployed deep-learning classifiers — faster than manual counts and substantially more accurate than pneumatic-tube counters. Every classified vehicle is linked to a video frame for permanent evidence trail.
Why Video-AI ATCC Beats Manual and Pneumatic-Tube Methods
Accuracy. Our AI classifier consistently delivers ≥ 95% per-class accuracy against manual ground-truth, validated on a 10% stratified sample per station. Human counters typically drop to 80-88% accuracy over a 24-hour fatigue cycle. Pneumatic-tube ATCCs can count axles reliably but cannot visually distinguish vehicle types (e.g., 2-axle truck vs. mini-bus vs. LCV-goods).
Speed. AI processes the entire 7-day record in 2-3 days. Manual transcription of an equivalent volume takes weeks. Total mobilisation-to-report turnaround for a 5-station corridor: 14-18 days.
Coverage. AI handles parallel deployment of 5-10 stations across a corridor without proportionally increasing field staff cost.
Evidence trail. Every classified vehicle is linked to a video frame timestamp. Clients receive full unedited 7-day footage. Useful in arbitration, toll-revenue audit, and independent re-verification.
Night accuracy. IR night-vision modules maintain classification accuracy through 18:00-06:00, when human counters and even pneumatic tubes degrade most.
IRC SP 19 17-Class Vehicle Classification
NKMPV classifies every vehicle into the full 17-class scheme prescribed by IRC SP 19, not the simplified 5-7 axle-based bins typical of pneumatic-tube ATCC. The classes:
- 1. Two-wheeler (motorcycle, scooter, moped)
- 2. Three-wheeler / auto-rickshaw
- 3. Car / jeep / van
- 4. Mini-bus
- 5. Standard bus
- 6. LCV — passenger
- 7. LCV — goods
- 8. 2-axle truck
- 9. 3-axle truck
- 10. 4-axle MAV (multi-axle vehicle)
- 11. 5-axle MAV
- 12. 6-axle MAV
- 13. 7-or-more-axle MAV
- 14. Tractor with one trailer
- 15. Tractor with two trailers
- 16. Animal-drawn vehicle (ADV)
- 17. Bicycle
What You Get — ATCC Survey Deliverables
Per-vehicle event log (CSV) with timestamp, direction, lane, IRC SP 19 class, speed, and frame reference for audit trail.
Hourly classified volume tables for all 17 IRC classes across the full 7-day window.
ADT and AADT worksheets with IRC 37 / IRC 9 seasonal correction factor application.
Vehicle Damage Factor (VDF) and cumulative MSA worksheets per IRC 37 Cl. 5.3 — directly usable as IRC 37 / IRC 58 design-traffic input.
Class-distribution charts (pie + hourly histogram) and peak-hour factor analysis per IRC 106.
Sample frame archive showing one classified video frame per IRC class as classification-evidence.
Full 7-day unedited video footage on hand-over media.
NABL-accredited summary report formatted to NHAI DPR or BoT/HAM concession requirements, signed by NABL-recognised assessors.
Industries and Clients We Serve
- National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
- NHIDCL (border-area highway projects)
- State Public Works Departments
- BoT and HAM concession companies
- DPR consultants and engineering houses
- Road safety auditors
- Urban development authorities and SEZ planners
- World Bank / ADB-funded highway programmes
- Toll plaza operators (toll-rate revision and revenue audit)
Get Started with Video-AI ATCC
Contact NKMPV today for an ATCC survey quote:
- Call: +91 82953-60108
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit: Shri Niwas Bitna Road Pinjore, Distt. Panchkula - 134102, Haryana, India
We respond to ATCC quote requests within one working day with a station-by-station scope, indicative cost, and IRC SP 19 deliverable list.
ATCC Video-AI Software in Action
Why Choose NKMPV for ATCC Surveys?
Video-AI Classification — Faster and More Accurate Than Human Counts
Our in-house AI classifier consistently delivers ≥ 95% per-class accuracy against manual ground-truth, even at night and in monsoon conditions. Human counters typically drop to 80-88% accuracy over a 24-hour fatigue cycle. AI processes the entire 7-day record in 2-3 days vs. weeks for manual transcription, with no shift-change classification drift.
IRC SP 19 17-Class Compliance
We classify into the full 17-class scheme prescribed by IRC SP 19, not the simplified 5-7 axle-based bins typical of pneumatic-tube ATCC. This means the data is directly accepted for NHAI DPR submission, BoT/HAM concession reporting, and IRC 37 design-traffic computation without re-classification work.
NABL-Accredited Reports (TC-14144)
Our ATCC reports carry NABL accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (TC-14144), making them acceptable to NHAI, state PWDs, NHIDCL, BoT/HAM concessionaires, World Bank-funded projects, and arbitration tribunals without third-party validation.
Permanent Evidence Trail
Every classified vehicle is linked to a video frame timestamp. Clients receive the full unedited 7-day footage along with the classification log, providing a permanent audit trail for toll-revenue disputes, arbitration cases, or independent re-verification.
NHAI Project Experience
Our ATCC team has deployed for NHAI corridor surveys across North India. We understand NHAI report formats, IRC SP 19 station-spacing requirements, and the seasonal-correction-factor application patterns expected by NHAI consultants.
Integrated Traffic + Axle Load + NSV + FWD Package
We bundle ATCC with paired <a href="/services/axle-load-test">axle load surveys</a> for VDF computation, <a href="/services/nsv-testing-service">NSV pavement-condition surveys</a>, and <a href="/services/falling-weight-deflectometer-fwd-test">FWD structural evaluation</a> in a single mobilisation — delivering all four IRC 37 / IRC 115 inputs from one NABL lab, reducing co-ordination cost for DPR consultants.