GIs in Transportation

Geographic information system (GIS) technology is often used in improving transportation. Transportation applications of GIS, also referred to as GIS-T, are popular and extensive in scope. Transportation problems range from day-to-day operations (in-vehicle global positioning system [GPS] navigation, the North American E-911 emergency response system) to large-scale efforts (prioritizing policy alternatives, long-range transportation planning) by metropolitan planning organizations. This entry reviews the policy contexts and market forces that influence the way institutions approach transportation problems. Then, data models and operations (with a focus on analysis and modeling) unique to GIS-T are reviewed.

Policy-wise, the span of policy goals has stretched from improving efficiency and mobility (e.g., the interstate highways) to embracing sustainable development, including mitigating negative externalities (e.g., air pollution, safety, congestion), as indicated in the ...