Applying the FESTA methodology to cooperative system FOTs

The FESTA methodology as described in the FESTA handbook is a comprehensive guide to conducting Field Operational Tests (FOT). Originally developed for FOTs focused on ADAS, it has consequently been applied to fields of Nomadic Devices and Cooperative Systems. In this paper we describe major challenges in conducting a Cooperative Systems FOT and how the FESTA methodology has been extended to cope with them. Specifically we explain issues with data collection, handling and processing as well as major changes in the experimental design due to much lower frequency and power of events experienced in cooperative systems. We present best practice approaches in solving these issues by means of sophisticated data handling systems and semi-controlled testing setups.