Milestone's AI video analytics improve Dubuque traffic

Clever video management and AI-driven analytics has led to significant improvements in traffic flow, public safety, and operational efficiency in one of the U.S. Midwest’s most forward-thinking cities.

Milestone Systems, a world-pioneering provider of open platform video management software (VMS), collaborated with the City of Dubuque, Iowa, to enhance traffic management – a project powered by Milestone’s XProtect VMS and Vaidio’s Vision AI platform.

Data-driven video technology insights

Dubuque has deployed a smart traffic insights solution that integrates real-time video analytics

Dubuque, known for its innovative approach to city management, sought to maximise the value of its expansive video network—over 1,300 cameras citywide. While these cameras provided extensive coverage, city officials wanted to go beyond basic monitoring to extract actionable intelligence that could improve traffic management and public safety.

Through the collaboration with Milestone Systems and Vaidio, Dubuque has deployed a smart traffic insights solution that integrates real-time video analytics with traffic signal systems. The platform enables automated traffic monitoring and incident detection, allowing the city to make data-driven decisions that enhance mobility and efficiency.

Milestone’s open platform video technology

“We wanted to leverage our existing investments in video infrastructure to not only improve traffic flow but also enhance public safety and emergency response,” said Dave Ness, Traffic Engineering Manager for the City of Dubuque.

“Milestone’s open platform video technology has allowed us to integrate cutting-edge analytics and create a truly intelligent traffic management system.”

Full potential of video technology

Dubuque unlock the full potential of video technology to create smarter, safer

CEO of Milestone Systems Thomas Jensen stresses that the company is committed to helping cities like Dubuque unlock the full potential of video technology to create smarter, safer, and more efficient urban environments.

“Our collaboration with the City of Dubuque demonstrates how intelligent video solutions can transform traffic management and enhance quality of life for residents,” he said.

Enhanced traffic flow, safety, and sustainability

The implementation of this technology has already delivered measurable benefits to Dubuque’s residents:

• Reduced Travel Times: Optimised traffic signals and real-time monitoring have led to smoother traffic flow, cutting down commute times and reducing congestion.
• Improved Public Safety: Faster emergency response times and enhanced incident detection have contributed to a safer urban environment.
• Increased Operational Efficiency: Automated processes free up city personnel to focus on high-value tasks, ensuring resources are used effectively.
• Environmental Benefits: Reduced idling times lead to lower fuel consumption and emissions, supporting Dubuque’s sustainability initiatives.

Advanced AI-powered analytics in action

By integrating Vaidio’s Vision AI platform with Milestone’s XProtect VMS, the City of Dubuque has enhanced its traffic management system with advanced video analytics. The solution enables real-time traffic monitoring, counting vehicle volumes, analysing turn movements, and refining signal timing for optimised flow.

Automated anomaly detection helps identify wrong-way vehicles, accidents, and other hazards, allowing for quicker response.

Variety of analytics functions

Vaidio works with any camera and allows a wide variety of analytics functions to be performed

Additionally, the system tracks pedestrians and cyclists, supporting the city's broader transportation and safety initiatives.

Because Vaidio works with any camera and allows a wide variety of analytics functions to be performed on each camera, even switching between functions as needed, the City of Dubuque was able to leverage existing hardware and minimise the total cost of ownership.

How cities leverage video analytics for transportation

“Working together with Milestone and Dubuque allowed us to tailor our AI models to address the city's unique traffic challenges,” said David Jenkins, VP of Software Architecture at Vaidio. “This collaboration has driven real-world improvements in how cities leverage video analytics for transportation.”

The Dubuque project has also been part of the foundation for Milestone’s Project Hafnia which was announced together with NVIDIA in March.

Milestone’s broader innovation initiatives

Dubuque project has also been part of the foundation for Milestone’s Project Hafnia

"The City of Dubuque’s use of AI-powered video analytics for traffic management aligns with Milestone’s broader innovation initiatives, including Project Hafnia,” said Thomas Jensen.

“Project Hafnia leverages NVIDIA Nemo Curator, aiming to build next-generation AI models for transportation by curating and training on high-quality, compliant video data. Insights from deployments like Dubuque’s smart traffic system contribute valuable real-world data that can help enhance future AI-driven urban mobility solutions."

Integrating intelligent video analytics

Dubuque’s success in integrating intelligent video analytics serves as an example for other municipalities looking to enhance traffic management through technology.

Milestone Systems remains dedicated to supporting smart city initiatives worldwide, providing municipalities with powerful video technology solutions that drive innovation, efficiency, and safety.