A Traffic Data Imputation Method Based on Spatial-temporal Synchronous Graph Recovery Neural Network

Due to comprehensive considerations regarding demand and cost control in traffic management, the performance indicators for checkpoint sensors can differ depending on the section of road. Consequently, some traffic data collected at checkpoints may be incomplete, which complicates data analysis. To address this issue, we propose using a neural network based on embedding synchronised spatio-temporal map data. Firstly, we designed a trajectory vectorisation algorithm using word embedding techniques, modelling the road network with vehicle trajectories to capture spatial correlations among road checkpoints. Secondly, we constructed a spatio-temporal synchronisation graph recovery neural network (STSGRN) that uses graph convolutional networks (GCNs) and gated recurrent units (GRUs) to account for the spatio-temporal characteristics of traffic data and fill in missing data across multiple dimensions. Finally, we developed an attention mechanism module for the spatio-temporal graph to extract dynamic dependencies at the spatio-temporal level. This architecture enhances the flexibility of the STSGRN in processing complex data with missing values. Experimental results demonstrate that the model effectively identifies spatial and temporal correlations in traffic data, enabling the accurate imputation of missing values. Compared to existing methods, it demonstrates significant improvements and superior generalisation performance.

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Publication Details

Journal
ACM Transactions on Knowledge Discovery from Data
Published
2026-04-10
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1145/3807952
Primary Topic
Traffic Prediction and Management Techniques
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

A Traffic Data Imputation Method Based on Spatial-temporal Synchronous Graph Recovery Neural Network

Chaolong Jia
ACM Transactions on Knowledge Discovery from Data
Traffic Prediction and Management Techniques
article

A Traffic Data Imputation Method Based on Spatial-temporal Synchronous Graph Recovery Neural Network

Chaolong Jia
article en

Abstract

Due to comprehensive considerations regarding demand and cost control in traffic management, the performance indicators for checkpoint sensors can differ depending on the section of road. Consequently, some traffic data collected at checkpoints may be incomplete, which complicates data analysis. To address this issue, we propose using a neural network based on embedding synchronised spatio-temporal map data. Firstly, we designed a trajectory vectorisation algorithm using word embedding techniques, modelling the road network with vehicle trajectories to capture spatial correlations among road checkpoints. Secondly, we constructed a spatio-temporal synchronisation graph recovery neural network (STSGRN) that uses graph convolutional networks (GCNs) and gated recurrent units (GRUs) to account for the spatio-temporal characteristics of traffic data and fill in missing data across multiple dimensions. Finally, we developed an attention mechanism module for the spatio-temporal graph to extract dynamic dependencies at the spatio-temporal level. This architecture enhances the flexibility of the STSGRN in processing complex data with missing values. Experimental results demonstrate that the model effectively identifies spatial and temporal correlations in traffic data, enabling the accurate imputation of missing values. Compared to existing methods, it demonstrates significant improvements and superior generalisation performance.

ACM Transactions on Knowledge Discovery from Data
Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications (CN)
Sustainable cities and communities
Openalex Percentile: Top 18%
Traffic Prediction and Management Techniques
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