Dynamic Mobility Applications

Research Plan

The objective of the Dynamic Mobility Applications Research Program is to identify high-value applications for research and develop the tools, metrics, and concepts that form the foundation for applications development.

The applications that will be evaluated are those that enable public sector, multi-modal system management and:

• Use available vehicle and infrastructure connectivity and data to enable dynamic decision making.
• Allow managers to anticipate problems, be proactive in addressing issues, and rapidly monitor impacts on and across the transportation networks.
• Support emerging work in decision support systems—systems that can assimilate and analyze large volumes of detailed real-time and historic data to provide recommendations in formats that are most valuable to users.

Examples of multi-modal dynamic applications may include:

• Measurement and prediction of system performance using probe data generated through DSRC and non-DSRC technologies;
• Increasing intersection safety and efficiency through SPaT and geospatial information map (GID) technology;
• Road weather management;
• Transit management;
• Freight operations;
• Dynamic, real-time route planning and adjustment to emerging incidents;
• Advanced parking management systems; and
• Integrated Corridor Management.

The initial steps in this research program are:

• Define multi-modal performance metrics that form the basis for decision support systems, tools, and models.
• Collect real-time data for assessment (to include collaboration with the Real-Time Data Capture and Management program).
• Assess data from historical and real-time traffic and travel behavior perspectives to understand which types of data enable dynamic, proactive decision-making.
• Identify which public-sector, multi-modal dynamic applications might be of highest value and use demonstrations to test the validity of those assumptions with stakeholders.

The research tracks include:

Track 1: Engage stakeholders for input across all phases, from foundational analysis to focused demonstrations.

Track 2: Develop tools that will ultimately enable public and private sector applications development, and support application impact assessment, while using communications across interoperable platforms.

Track 3: Conduct proof-of-concept tests for the standards, algorithms, tools, and protocols that will be needed for implementation of the applications.

Track 4: Conduct focused demonstration and analysis based on a partnership with the Real-Time Data Capture and Management initiative and the AERIS program to demonstrate applications in a market-based environment and assess quantifiable benefits. This track includes conducting a near-term demonstration of market-ready technologies and applications.

Track 5: Develop evaluation and performance measures.

Track 6: Coordinate outreach and technology transfer. Well-documented applications, demonstration and proof-of-concept test findings will be shared with stakeholders, with information available to the broader transportation community.