Newsletter #06/10
Topics
- Better information for motorway drivers
- New: Transport route planner with TÜV-certified emissions calculation
- Virtual lounge for software developers goes online
- Sensors find truck defects
- Innovative use of count data for planning and operational models
- Open Screen mirrors our society
Better information for motorway drivers
In a final presentation, Hesse's road transport authority (HLSV), Daimler, Mat.Traffic and PTV showed their results on "cooperative" systems which focus on interaction and communication between vehicles, infrastructure and traffic information centres. These new traffic management systems pave the way for enhanced traveller information on motorways. The implemented procedure is a technological milestone for cities, counties and regions. For the first time, traffic information from different sources are combined and sent back to all information systems involved in the process.
New: Transport route planner with TÜV-certified emissions calculation
A seal of approval for sustainability: TÜV Süd, a recognized German inspection authority, has certified for the first time a software-based emissions calculator. Consequently, the route planner map&guide professional 2010 now includes the first emissions calculator with a seal of approval awarded by an independent body. All those interested or required to calculate emissions can now use this independent tool.
Virtual lounge for software developers goes online
PTV provides a new platform for information exchange and news on its logistical and geographical software components and its Software Developer Kit (SDK). This site is geared to allow software developers to discuss their specific issues with PTV experts and to keep up-to-date on the latest trends via Twitter or the "PTV Develogger" blog.
Sensors find truck defects
Overloaded vehicles and defective brakes and tyres are dangerous to both the driver and to other road users. Moreover, overloaded vehicles cause damage to the road surface, and overload control by the police is extremely time-consuming. The ASSET Road project aims at developing technologies which automatically detect overloaded vehicles by using a high-speed weighing system. This weigh-in-motion (WIM) system enables accurate dynamic weighing of heavy vehicles and the enforcement of overloads. The German ASSET Road test field on the federal motorway A8 between the Inntal junction and Munich was opened to traffic in May.
Innovative use of count data for planning and operational models
Transportation planning models rely extensively on traffic count data for calibration and validation. There is an increasing need to apply both macroscopic and microscopic simulation models within the same project making integration of these models critical. Successful model integration means consistency and with the right tools and methods more efficiencies. These efficiencies should lead to cost savings and sustainable framework leverage model investment.
Stephen M. Perone, PTV America Inc., will be focussing on the innovative use of traffic count data for planning and operational models in his presentation at NATMEC 2010 in Seattle (June 21 - 24).
Open Screen mirrors our society
A group of young artists headed by Lorenz Schwarz and Peter Schäfer has created a work open to everyone. People can actively participate in the project by uploading text messages and photos at www.open-screen.tv and thus become part of the art work. The focus is on the interplay between arts and business using advertising as a link. PTV supports this creative project with a traffic flow simulation presented at ZKM, the Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe.
