Detection is a critical component of many intelligent transportation systems (ITS) deployments. For example, vehicle detection may be used for traffic monitoring, traffic operations (such as signals), planning, and other purposes. Weather detection may be used to improve traveler information and enhance maintenance efficiency. Consequently, ineffective detection technology may significantly degrade transportation system performance.While some studies have assessed the relative merits of various detection alternatives, it is not clear what applicability, if any, these results have to rural areas. Documentation of the specific costs and benefits of various detection alternatives in rural areas, supplemented with lessons learned, would be valuable in directing future investment decisions in detector technology.Various vehicle and weather detection technologies have been deployed in the rural California/Oregon Advanced Transportation Systems (COATS) study area. Consequently, there is an opportunity to address some of these gaps in the research literature.