Lesson

Provide easy and low-cost access to ITS data to facilitate data usage.

National experience with ITS data archiving, sharing and usage.

5/1/2002
Madison,Wisconsin,United States

E-mail this Lesson  E-mail | Comment on this Lesson Post a Comment

Background (Show)

Lesson Learned

It is important to archive ITS data into a manageable form. The ability to access a database from remote locations without burdensome or costly software requirements is necessary to increase the availability of the data. No user costs should be associated with the system except for an Internet connection. The public sector goal is to make at least a basic level of services available to all taxpayers/citizens, not just to high-income users who can afford sophisticated software and/or hardware. This ubiquitous and easy access to archived ITS data will create new project and work opportunities.
  • Acknowledge and allow for the needs of low-tech information seekers. Individuals in the low-tech information seekers market segment have a low acceptance and comfort level with the Internet and web-based information. Nevertheless, this customer segment represents a large portion of the current Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) customer pool, and can be expected to continue to demand good information services on low-tech media in the future. The most widespread use of archived ITS data was in locations where data was easily or publicly accessible. In these locations, user groups outside the operations center were able to develop data extraction and analysis tools. Examples of easy access to archived ITS data include distribution via the Internet or CDs.
  • Take into account privacy issues when creating access to information. While creating easy access to the information, one must keep in mind the privacy component. The conflicts of having ITS data that records the location or travel pattern of an individual with some privacy concerns must be solved. The public sector doesn't want confidential or sensitive information released to reduce system security (increased hacking attacks) by opening up systems. After documenting existing regulations, policies, and guidelines addressing the issues of privacy considerations and rights, it is necessary to recommend public and private roles and responsibilities in the access and treatment of data.
  • Remember that ITS data may require a large amount of storage space. ITS data potentially requires large amount of data storage capacity. Innovative storage and/or aggregation strategies are necessary to keep costs to a reasonable level and within the reach of a typical agency.
The lessons described above suggest that the public sector should provide easy and low-cost access to ITS data to all information seekers, and consideration should be taken when providing information to low-tech information seekers. When providing transportation information to the public, it is also important to consider the associated privacy issues as well as data storage needs.

Lesson Comments

No comments posted to date

Comment on this Lesson

To comment on this lesson, fill in the information below and click on submit. An asterisk (*) indicates a required field. Your name and email address, if provided, will not be posted, but are to contact you, if needed to clarify your comments.



Source

A Literature and Best Practices Scan: ITS Data Management and Archiving

Author: Henry X. Liu, Rachel He, Yang Tao, and Bin Ran

Published By: University of Wisconsin

Source Date: 5/1/2002

Other Reference Number: 0092-02-11

URL: http://on.dot.wi.gov/wisdotresearch/database/reports/02-11itsdata-f.pdf

Other Lessons From this Source

Lesson Contacts

Lesson Analyst:

Jane Lappin
Volpe National Transportation Systems Center
617-494-3692
jane.lappin@volpe.dot.gov


Rating

Average User Rating

0 ( ratings)

Rate this Lesson

(click stars to rate)


Lesson ID: 2006-00253