Short-Term Traffic Prediction Using Deep Learning Long Short-Term Memory: Taxonomy, Applications, Challenges, and Future Trends

This paper surveys the short-term road traffic forecast algorithms based on the long-short term memory (LSTM) model of deep learning. The algorithms developed in the last three years are studied and analyzed. This provides an in-depth and thorough description of the algorithms rather than their marginal description as performed in the existing surveys that focus on general deep learning algorithms. The chosen algorithms are classified depending upon the use of LSTM in combination with other techniques for processing input data features towards a final traffic forecast. The operational strategies of the algorithms are described with merits and limitations. Moreover, a comparative analysis of the compared classes of algorithms is also provided. These strategies are helpful in selection of the right algorithms and their classes for the diverse traffic conditions and their future investigation for improvement. Besides, the applications of these classes of algorithms to traffic forecast in various networks for the latest decade is graphically depicted. Moreover, the applications of the LSTM in other fields involving a forecast are provided. Finally, the challenges associated with the short-term traffic forecast using the LSTM are described and strategies are highlighted for their future investigation.