Moving Forward with Intelligence
Intelligent Transportation Systems
What are intelligent transportation systems (ITS) - and how do they differ from simple information technology (IT)?
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Road Weather Information System (ARWIS) monitor and detect weather and road
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Simply speaking, ITS uses IT - computers, communications and sensor technologies - to create integrated transportation solutions. However, these are not regular IT desktop solutions. ITS involves real-time operations 24 hours a day.
Typically an ITS solution involves three major functions:
 ITS can blend information on current conditions and historical trends to help decide what action to take.  Based on information and analysis of traffic data, COMPASS signs alert drivers to problem ahead allowing them to decide on alternative routes. |
Monitoring
A wide variety of sensors - from loops of wire embedded in roadways to video cameras to weather stations - are used to monitor conditions and detect anomalies. These could include increased congestion or a collision, or they could include changes in weather and road conditions. This information is merged with other information and analyzed.
Automated Analysis
The compiling of this diverse information allows us to analyze it in real-time (or as it occurs) for patterns. For example, to automatically detect a problem on a highway based on slowing or stopped traffic behind it; or to predict when a roadway is going to freeze based on weather forecasts and road temperature sensors. The analysis alerts us to action that can be taken to prevent expected conditions - such as presalting a roadway before it freezes - or to respond to a collision.
Action
Based on the analysis, ITS allows us to make many changes that affect real transportation services, for example:
- Changing of traffic signal timing;
- Posting a message to overhead changeable message signs;
- Modifying transit schedules and rerouting buses;
- Dispatching emergency services;
- Providing information to the media and public electronically; or
- Plowing and salting a roadway.
