Pilot Study: Use of High-Resolution Satellite Data to Identify Truck Traffic On the Roads and Near Warehouses Across Multiple Regions in Southern California

Research Lead: Jun Wu

UC Campus(es): UC Irvine

Problem Statement: Heavy-duty trucks produce more non-tailpipe emissions, diesel exhaust, and noise than smaller vehicles, so when they travel on surface streets near residents, they can contribute to air quality- and noise-related impacts in these communities. However, heavy-duty truck counts are only available on freeways and highways, making it difficult for communities to understand their risks and provide evidence for truck rerouting as cumulative impacts mount.

Project Description: This pilot project will use high resolution satellite imagery and machine learning methods to detect heavy-duty trucks on all streets in areas with a high density of warehouses in Southern California. The researchers will also examine population characteristics in relation to density of heavy-duty trucks and identify the subpopulations that are mostly affected.

Status: In Progress

Budget: $30,000