Synopses & Reviews
Transformations in wireless connectivity and location-aware technologies hold the promise of bringing a sea-change in the way transportation information is generated and used in the future. Sensors in the transportation system, when integrated with those in other sectors (for example, energy, utility and health) have the potential to foster novel new ways of improving livability and sustainability. The end-result of these developments has been somewhat contradictory. Although automation in the transportation environment has become increasingly widespread, the level of involvement and active participation by people, in terms of co-creation and contribution of information, has also increased. As a result, the following two major trends have been observed: (1) increases in Machine-to- Machine (M2M) communications; and (2) increases in the variety and volume of User-Generated Content. In this transportation paradigm, the pervasive use of Information and Communication Technologies will serve as the foundation for mobility intelligence towards an "ubiquitous information-centered mobility environment". However, many technical and operational questions, as well as social, management and legal challenges present themselves in the transformation to this vision. The book presents a non-technical review of research and initiatives and a discussion of such opportunities and challenges.
Synopsis
Surface transportation systems continue to benefit from the use of information and communication technology. In particular, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and Location-Based Services (LBS) hold significant promise for improving transportation decision-making in congestion management and system operations, and for enhancing service delivery by providing travel and location information, mobile commerce and safe transportation options. This book reviews the state-of-the-art technological advances in information and communication technology relating to these aspects of surface transportation systems; emerging data sources and their analyses for content creation; and the policy, behavioral and societal aspects of technology use. As such, the book integrates recent literature in multiple disciplines pertinent to information technology and computation, including the fields of transportation planning and engineering, computer science and technology policy, and the social sciences.
Table of Contents
Introduction.- Data Sources and Management.- Technology Systems for Transportation System Management and Personal Use.- Institutional and Policy Factors in ICT-Based Mobility Services.- Conclusions.