Modeling Traffic Flow Using Matrices in Urban Planning
Title Page
Project Title: Modeling Traffic Flow Using Matrices in Urban Planning
Name: Chirimba Brendon
Centre Number: 060004
Candidate Number: 5002
Subject: Communication Skills
Year of Examination: 2025
Table of Contents
1. Title Page
2. Table of Contents
3. Acknowledgements
4. Introduction
5. Objectives
6. Problem Identification
7. Investigation of Related Ideas
8. Generation of Ideas / Possible Solutions
9. Development / Refinement of Chosen Ideas
10. Presentation of Final Solution
11. Evaluation and Recommendations
🙏 Acknowledgements
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my teachers for their guidance and support
throughout this project. Special thanks also go to my classmates and family members whose
insightful feedback helped shape the direction of this work.
📝 Introduction
Urban areas across the globe face mounting traffic congestion, leading to environmental,
economic, and social concerns. This project explores how mathematical tools—specifically
matrices—can be used to analyze and model traffic flow in a city, offering potential solutions to
optimize planning and improve community well-being.
STAGE 1: Problem Identification
Objectives
To apply matrix operations in modeling urban traffic flow.
To explore real-world applications of mathematics in civic planning.
To demonstrate analytical thinking and problem-solving using A-Level mathematics
concepts.
To evaluate and refine a traffic modeling approach suitable for educational and practical
use.
Statement of Problem
Urban traffic congestion is a growing issue in many cities. Understanding how vehicles move
between intersections can help planners optimize traffic signals and reduce delays. Traditional
methods of analyzing traffic flow are time-consuming and lack precision. Matrices offer a
powerful way to model and analyze these movements efficiently, especially when dealing with
multiple routes and intersections.
Statement of Intent
I intend to design a mathematical model using matrices to represent and analyze traffic flow
between intersections in a simplified urban grid. This project will demonstrate how matrix
operations—such as multiplication, inversion, and transformation—can be applied to real-world
systems, aligning with the A-Level curriculum and promoting mathematical thinking in civic
planning.
STAGE 2: Investigation of Related Ideas
1. Matrix-Based Population Movement Models Used in geography to track migration
between regions. Why it’s related: Applies matrix transitions to real-world movement
patterns.
2. Markov Chains in Traffic Prediction Uses probability matrices to predict future traffic
states. Why it’s related: Introduces stochastic matrices and transition modeling.
3. Network Flow Optimization Uses adjacency matrices to model connections and flow
capacities. Why it’s related: Shows how matrices can represent complex systems like
road networks.
STAGE 3: Generation of Ideas / Possible Solutions
Several matrix-based approaches were considered:
Transition Matrix Model: Each intersection is a node, and the matrix shows the number
of vehicles moving from one node to another. Matrix multiplication is used to predict
traffic after multiple time intervals.
Inverse Matrix Analysis: Used to solve systems of equations representing traffic inflow
and outflow at each junction.
Graph-Based Matrix Representation: Adjacency matrices represent road connections,
and weighted matrices show traffic volume.
The transition matrix model was selected for its clarity, scalability, and strong alignment with A-
Level matrix operations.
STAGE 4: Development / Refinement of Chosen Ideas
The model was developed using a 4×4 matrix representing four intersections (A, B, C, D). Each
element $$a_{ij}$$ represents the number of vehicles moving from intersection $$i$$ to
intersection $$j$$.
Example: $$ T = \begin{matrix} 0 & 30 & 10 & 5 \\ 20 & 0 & 15 & 10 \\ 5 & 10 & 0 & 25 \\ 10 & 5
& 20 & 0 \end{matrix} $$
Matrix multiplication was used to simulate traffic after two-time intervals: $$T^2$$. The inverse
matrix was used to solve for unknown traffic inputs when total outflows were known.
Python and Excel were used to compute matrix powers, visualize traffic flow, and test different
scenarios.
STAGE 5: Presentation of Final Solution
The final solution included:
A matrix model of traffic flow
Calculations of $$T^2$$ and $$T^3$$ to show long-term predictions
Graphs showing traffic buildup at each intersection
A PowerPoint presentation explaining matrix operations and their application
A written report detailing assumptions, calculations, and interpretations
STAGE 6: Evaluation and Recommendations
The project was evaluated for mathematical accuracy, relevance, and clarity. It successfully
demonstrated matrix multiplication, inverse matrices, and real-world modeling.
📝 Recommendations:
Extend the model to include probability matrices for uncertain traffic patterns
Add time-based variables to simulate rush hour vs. off-peak
Use larger matrices for more complex road networks
Integrate with mapping software for visual simulations
