01122042

Component

This paper presents the issues surrounding the integration and visualization of freight data using internet-based mapping applications. An internet-based mapping system is utilized to provide geographic context and user friendly information to transportation planning decision makers. A key goal of the application is to be an intuitive application that requires a minimal learning curve yet provides powerful geographic and contextual metadata. In relation to Internet-based mapping technology in freight data collection and planning the authors: (a) address implementation issues associated with data integration, (b) present a system architecture to leverage existing publicly-available interfaces and web applications to accelerate product development and reduce costs, (c) describe an existing web-based mapping prototype and its capabilities, and (d) state lessons learned and present suggestions to streamline the integration and visualization of freight data. The authors conclude that despite data integration challenges, Internet-based mapping provides a cost effective and appealing tool to store, access, and communicate freight data as well as enhance the understanding of freight issues. The authors argue that institutional barriers, not technology, are the most demanding hurdles to widely implementing a freight data web-based mapping application in the near future.

01120148

09-3820

English

18p

2009

Transportation Research Board 88th Annual Meeting

DVD

Figures; Maps; Photos; References (31) ; Tables (1)

Data collection; Data quality; Freight handling; Freight traffic; Integrated systems; Internet; Mapping; Transportation planning

Freight data

Data and Information Technology; Freight Transportation; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2009 Paper #09-3820

TRIS, TRB

Jan 30 2009 8:14PM