AdvancedTopic 99 of 112Civil & Structural
Intelligent transportation systems
Sensors and data manage traffic and tolling.
In depth
ITS applies sensors, communications and analytics to manage traffic: adaptive signals, variable message signs, ramp metering, electronic tolling, incident detection and connected vehicles. Improves safety and capacity without new roads. Data privacy and cybersecurity are concerns.
Key points
- V2X communication
- Dynamic pricing
- Smart parking
ExampleRamp meters on freeways smooth merging and increase throughput.
What is Intelligent transportation systems?
Sensors and data manage traffic and tolling.
Why is it important to understand intelligent transportation systems?
Intelligent transport systems use sensors and data to manage traffic, so they can reduce congestion and improve safety at lower cost than new roads.
What do ITS systems use?
Sensors, cameras, communications and control systems that gather data and act on it in real time.
What are the risks of ITS?
Reliance on technology, cyber security, privacy of data, and the need for maintenance of the equipment.
How is Intelligent transportation systems used in practice?
Typical applications include adjusting signal timings in response to live traffic data, charging road users dynamically through electronic tolling and warning drivers of incidents with variable message signs.
What should I learn before Intelligent transportation systems?
Study "Airport and port engineering" first (topic 98 of 112 in Civil & Structural). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
What are the key points of Intelligent transportation systems?
V2X communication. Dynamic pricing. Smart parking.
Can you give an example of Intelligent transportation systems?
Ramp meters on freeways smooth merging and increase throughput.
What comes after Intelligent transportation systems?
The next topic is "Construction project management", which builds directly on this one.
How difficult is Intelligent transportation systems?
It is classed as Advanced in Civil & Structural (topic 99 of 112). It is an advanced topic. It assumes you are comfortable with the intermediate topics in Civil & Structural.