How is Space Mean Speed defined in traffic analysis?

Space Mean Speed is defined as the average speed of vehicles over a certain section of road, considering the distance travelled and the time taken by all vehicles. It calculates the average speed by taking into account the total distance traveled by all vehicles and the total time taken for that travel. This method emphasizes the relationship between the travel time and the number of vehicles over the distance they traverse, which provides a more comprehensive view of the traffic flow dynamics.

In contrast to just measuring the speed at a specific point or focusing on the fastest or slowest vehicles, Space Mean Speed captures the overall performance of traffic in a segment. This is essential for understanding how efficiently vehicles are moving through a part of the transportation network and is crucial for traffic engineering and planning.

Other options provide different perspectives on speed measurements that do not encapsulate the broader traffic concept encapsulated by Space Mean Speed. By emphasizing the cumulative distance and duration for all vehicles rather than singular observations, the correct definition incorporates all relevant factors contributing to traffic performance.