What is Civil Engineering ?

Transportation Engineering
Intelligent Transportation Systems

Traffic Management

Intelligent transport systems provide various means to improve capacity and travel time in road networks.




In Ontario, COMPASS traffic cameras have been placed at strategic places along major traffic routes.

		On the Ministry of Transportation Web Site, a traveler can view a map showing the cameras, indicated by the yellow dots, along one of the major routes.
	The traveler can then view the current traffic conditions at any particular area by clicking on one of the yellow dots. A frame is captured from the camera and displayed online.

Images courtesy of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation
© 2002 Queen's Printer for Ontario

Sensors are used to detect radio waves emitted from electronic toll passes hanging on the vehicle windshields. A tracking mechanism clocks arrival at a checkpoint down the highway. This travel time is relayed to a computer which calculates the vehicle speed and compares it to the expected speed. The information is then posted on electronic signs. Engineers hope that posting delay information will assist drivers in planning their routes.

Video cameras are also used to help detect accidents and vehicle breakdowns. The information is relayed to a central location and emergency services are dispatched.

Some day soon, information from these computers will be relayed directly to displays in each vehicle where an onboard computer will suggest alternative routes and be able to calculate expected driving time.