Cross-cutting Issues

This paper updates an earlier paper presented to ITS America in 2000 that described a Caltrans Internet Protocol-based CCTV network being deployed in San Diego County, CA. In this paper, changes to the network architecture from ATM to Gigabit Ethernet technology and from MPEG-1 to H.261 video compression technology are described. The CCTV video distribution system has been considerably simplified in the new architecture and deployment experience has validated the technology selection.

National Engineerign Technology Corporation

California DOT (Caltrans)

Presented at the ITS America Annual Conference and Exposition, May 19-22, 2003 Minneapolis, Minnesota

The California Department of Transportation, Caltrans, District 11 has deployed a unique, first of its kind, video distribution system in the San Diego region. This system is a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) using a fiber optic backbone employing Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) technology. This system carries a diverse range of services such as Internet Protocol (IP) and traditional telephone technologies. Whereas the traditional CCTV video system uses point-to-point high bandwidth analog video with analog switch technology and FM multiplexing, the San Diego system utilizes an all-digital video technology centered on the use of network protocols. This network is characterized by several distinct uses of technology. These include its ability to route video using standard networking protocols and to provide additional services for command and control of the roadside video equipment. Network management and remote software configuration is accomplished though a stand-alone management system. The video system establishes video paths between field-deployed cameras and the Caltrans Transportation Management Center (TMC) through creative use of remote access software. Command and control are accomplished through innovative utilization of a distributed digital network with tie-ins to the legacy infrastructure. Compared to traditional methods of video transmission, the digital solution adds significant capacity, increases flexibility, and simplifies deployment. Planned future enhancements will provide further efficiencies and flexibilities.

Caltrans, District 11, Transportation Management Center

National Engineering Technology Corporation

Presented at the 10th ITS Annual Conference and Exposition, May 1-4, 2000 Boston, MA

This paper presents the findings of a study that demonstrates the feasibility of estimating link travel time and speeds in real-time for a rural, mountainous section of an interstate freeway in Colorado using vehicles instrumented with global positioning system receivers, serving as probes in traffic streams. The system configuration proposed includes a very cost-effective, portable GPS deployment unit, communication links to a PC server, and an integrated prototype system for vehicle tracking, estimating statistics on link travel time and a user interface.

The section of the I-70 corridor in Colorado selected for this study is located in a mountainous terrain just east of the Eisenhower Tunnel - gateway to the ski resorts, including Winter Park, Vail, and Aspen, from the Denver International Airport. It carries high traffic volume during the ski season and also during the summer months. Currently there is very limited surveillance infrastructure to monitor traffic conditions for this critical corridor. In this mountainous terrain, loop detectors are difficult to maintain due to icy conditions and snow removal practices. Video surveillance is also not feasible due to limited communication links.

Colorado TransLab - Department of Civil Engineering - University of Colorado

Colorado Department of Transportation

Presented at the 11th ITS Annual Conference and Exposition, June 4-7, 2001 Miami Beach, Florida

ParkPGH is a smart parking system that uses historical parking and event data in a prediction model to provide real-time information on the availability of parking in eight parking facilities within the Pittsburgh Cultural District. The project’s unique characteristics include the collaborative efforts of funders, academia, nonprofit and for-profit entities that are involved in the project, the environment in which the product is deployed and the richness of the data from which the prediction model and the robust evaluation strategy draw upon. The paper describes the pilot phase of the project along with preliminary results, as well as the next steps to be taken for a full project implementation.

ParkPGH

Presented at the 18th World Congress on ITS, October 2011, Orlando, Florida

A truck-based VMT fee could replace existing truck highway user fees and offer a robust, long-erm source of user-fee based revenues for highway investment.  Data from the VMT system would make it possible to focus a portion of any net new funds on investments that would improve truck mobility.  A truck-based VMT fee system has advantages over auto-based VMT fee proposals due to a proven low-cost technology and reduced concerns over privacy.

Delcan Corporation

Greater Buffalo Niagra Regional Transportation Council

Calmar Telematics

Delcan Corporation

Presented at the 18th World Congress on ITS, October 2011, Orlando, Florida