Research issues in intelligent transportation systems

Research Issues in Intelligent Transportation SystemsProf. Lee D. Han, Ph.D.Collaborating ScientistU

ResearchIssuesTransportationSystems inIntelligent Prof.LeeHan, D.Ph.D. CollaboratingScientist UniversityofTennessee/OakRidgeNationalLab Introduction I. Afteralmosttwodecadesofresearch,development,andimplementationactivitiesinthearea ofIntelligentTransportationSystems(ITS),researchersandpractitionershaveachievedand learnedquiteabitthroughvariousprojectsandstudies.Thisknowledgeandexperience,in turn,pointstoarangeofissues,whichneedbeaddressedtokeepITSonitscourseforsuccess. ThispaperwilltakeabriefretrospectiveviewofITS,itssuccessesandlessonslearnedalong theway,andanumberofchallengesandresearchissuesfacingthetransportation professionalscurrently.Specificemphasiswillthenbeplacedontheneedsforintegrating dynamicinformationwithGISandreal-timeinterfacingtoITSusers. ILAITS BriefHistoryof Inspiteofalltheattentionsandsubstantial fundingitreceivedinrecentyears,Intelligent TransportationSystemsisbynomeansanew concept.Scientistandengineershadlong envisionedautomatedvehicle-roadway scenariosasearlyas1940's.GeneralMotors' Firebirdsshownherearesultofoneof were suchdreams.Theautomatedcontrolonthe Impalaalsogavethepublicapeekoftheautomatedvehicle st controltechnologyofthe21century.Nevertheless,the developmentandrealizationofasuccessfulnationalITS systemonlybecamepossibleinthelastdecadeasaresultof thecommitmentfromgovernment,industry,aswellas academia.