ITS National Associations Working Group
Meeting Summary
Thursday, October 31, 2002
9:45 a.m. - noon
Hall of
States
400 N. Capitol Street, Room 231
Washington, D.C. 20001
Agenda
List of Attendees
Delania Hardy, Association of Metropolitan Planning
Organizations
Ms. Hardy welcomed those in attendance, thanked Kelly
Novak for providing accommodations for the meeting, and asked everyone to
provide self-introductions.
Valerie Briggs, Booz-Allen & Hamilton, Inc.:
Regional Operations Collaboration and Coordination
(ROCC)
Regional
Operations Collaboration and Coordination - Presentation
Regional Operations Collaboration
and Coordination - Handout
TRB subcommittees are exploring regional
operations activities. A joint Transportation Research Board - ITS America
Committee was established to discuss and track regional operations initiatives
as well. The goal of the committee is to define how operations can be
implemented in a seamless manner at the regional level.
Challenges exist for local level agencies that must deal with
multi-jurisdictional issues and coordination. The regional operations
initiative has been active for four years, during which time the ITS initiative
has shifted to a focus on regional operations collaboration. In 1999 the
committee for regional operations met to discuss ad-hoc groups combining
resources to collaborate regionally. Two such groups, TRANSCOM and Houston
TranStar, were examined.
TRANSCOM
1986
- Created an organization consisting of various regional agencies called
TRANSCOM
- Began to coordinate construction schedules through fax, phone, and pager
to minimize the impacts on regional congestion
1990
- Began regional incident management information sharing
- Managed ITS elements of the regional transportation system
1999
- Became private organization
- Operations center and staff supported through partner agency dues
- 16 public member agencies
- 100 agencies that provide data and information to TRANSCOM
Houston TranStar
- Developed in 1999, the Houston TranStar is a regional coordination group
consisting of city, county, State DOT, and transit agency that contribute
funds to coordinate regional transportation efforts.
- Single operations and dispatch center
Common Elements among ROCCs
- Voluntary involvement
- Developed based on one driving regional need
- Pooled resources
- Sharing of information through meetings and ITS
- Champion
- Political champion - "What will we do?"
- Managerial champion - "How do we put it on the street?"
- Partnerships form a new sense of regional synergy
- Regional organizations tend to be more creative in solutions
Issues
- Institutional barriers
- Lack of awareness among local groups
- Departure from the status quo
- Protection of turf
- Cultural barriers among different agencies
- Procurement process not conducive to creative funding
Impacts of September 11, 2001 on ROCC
- More cooperation among agencies
- Recognition of transportation challenges related to emergency incidents
- Agencies are reevaluating goals
- Safety versus mobility
- Transportation operations and safety have similar missions
- Workshops developed on emergency response
Steps to advance
- Continue outreach strategies; "spread the word"
- Develop champions
- Continue research and education
- Federal push and reauthorization package
- Professional exchanges
- State level support
Working Group Discussion
Delania Hardy, AMPO suggestion:
Use newsletters to relate information on the benefits associated with
ROCC. AMPO's next newsletter will highlight WashCOG and Hampton Roads
groups.
MPOs are the regional type agency that has the ability to initiate ROCC.
Rural areas typically do not have MPOs
Support for ROCC has been an issue of importance for the Working Group
members; focus groups and advisory documents have been developed.
For further information:
The US DOT has case studies
available on the topic titled: Organizing for Regional Operations -
FHWA-OP-01-137 through FHWA-OP-01-037 to FHWA-OP-01-043.
Bryan Logan, EarthData Holdings, Inc.: Geographical Information
Systems (GIS)
Currently GIS and remote sensing (RS) technology is
used during the planning and permitting process to assist in building the
nation's transportation infrastructure, as a tool in response to disasters, and
in ITS systems. However the national map which provides data to these
tools becomes outdated very quickly. There exists a need to gain the
attention of lawmakers on Capitol Hill to provide funding for coordinating and
collecting existing data, and updating the national map. The U.S. remains
one of the few industrialized countries that does not have a coordinated,
updated national GIS map.
National Map/USGS
- Airborne remote sensing is used to build the national transportation
infrastructure
- RS/GIS is used to accumulate the information
- Need exists to update the information constantly
- National map data is not currently held by one agency
Mr. Logan provided examples of out of date maps that can have severe impacts
on emergency responders. The train derailment in Baltimore and the events
of 9/11 were discussed. The maps shown during both of these incidents were
not accurate. Following the September 11 terrorist attacks, emergency
responders used white boards in an attempt to map the scene. Very quickly
the need for updated maps was realized. Data collection began from
airborne RS units that could collect data in the morning; with 3-D imagery, maps
were available to personnel that evening, a process that typically takes two
weeks. Increased funding to maintain updated maps could make mapping more
real-time for responders. Between September 11 and November 20, 2001 the
Emergency Mapping and Data center received more than 3,000 map requests for maps
and data products. In that time period, more than 8,000 maps were delivered to
more than 100 city, state, and federal, and non-governmental agencies.
Truck Security
Truck security remains an issue. Locking
vulnerable trucks and the use of GPS to locate/track dangerous loads should be
increased.
'Easy Wins' - Using GIS and RS for road and rail
security
- GPS to monitor real time location compared to planned route and time
- Sensors on vehicles to detect load tampering in real-time
- Driver verification technologies
- Escorts traveling with vehicles
- Airborne sensors
- Local mobile command centers
The Integrated Airborne Rapid Imaging for Emergency Support "ARIES"
Concept
- Airborne sensor platform with tracking ground station
- Integrated and extensible communication
- National implementation will allow
- Integration
- Communication
- Advanced planning
- Rapid data transfer
- Knowledge sharing
- Shared assets
- Low cost aerial platforms
- Allows for many levels of mapping detail and type
- Ability to map buildings, tracking occupants and emergency responders
- Information available at www.metroblocks.com
Benefits of a National Map
- Developed on commercially available open architecture software
- Web-enabled efficient interoperability
- Nation-wide standard, ensuring interoperability between all users for
above and below ground geospatial data
- Government and other emergency response agencies have unrestricted use of
the database for prevention and response
- Will support commerce in becoming more efficient and competitive
- Investment in the national map will bring forth an enormous commercial
multiplier
- No more "islands" of unconnected data; all public and private data will
have interoperability
- Better future prevention and response to man-made and natural
disasters
Working Group Discussion
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA) Hazardous Materials Team has been working on these
issues; some vehicles have GPS systems in place currently.
The Geospatial One Stop is a part of the new Office of Management and Budget
E-Government initiative to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and customer
service throughout the Federal Government. The purpose is to:
- Develop standards for the geospatial framework data content
- Provide an interactive index to geospatial data holdings at the Federal
and non-Federal levels Encourage interaction between
- Inform Federal, state, and local agencies about existing and planned
spatial data collections
- Information available at: http://www.geo-one-stop.gov/
Currently, federal agencies are looking at issues associated with
coordinating geospatial data standards. There are 70 federal agencies with
the responsibility for geospatial data collection. ITS is the same data
delivered in a different way. All of the agencies have data coordination
issues. The four steps being used to solve technical issues are: (1)
identify working standards; (2) identify agencies required to show data; (3)
share the data; (5) create an information portal.
- The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Office of Homeland
Security are taking the lead in coordinating funding and information sharing.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been given appropriations
to update the flood control map.
- National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) will follow standards and
disseminate collected information.
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) is the lead for coordinating
geo-spatial information for rail, air, surface and transit.
- Creating draft standards for each mode
- Data content standards
- Ensure the national standard works for everyone
- Information available at the BTS website www.bts.gov
It is difficult to get industry buy-in to many of these initiatives.
It's important to raise the general awareness on these issues and look for
connections.
Send questions and discussion to Laurie Radow; if there is sufficient
interest we will determine a way to continue the conversation on GIS.
Vince Pearce, Federal Highway Administration: FHWA Preparedness and
Response Workshops
FHWA
Preparedness, Response, Recovery Workshops - Presentation
FHWA/AASHTO Workshops:
Transportation's Role During and After Disasters - Handout
FHWA held ten workshops
that focused on preparedness, reponse, and recovery. One objective is to
get all stakeholders/partners together. These non-traditional partners
include first responders, emergency managers, and transportation
providers. The second object is to foster the building of new
relationships among these stakeholders. Many of the lessons learned at
these workshops are common issues in transportation today.
Lessons learned:
- Funding remains a key issue; typically training and education programs get
cut first, leading to less prepared agencies.
- Regional planning emergency plans do not always address transportation
issues.
- Coordination among modes can be an issue. The Baltimore train derailment
serves as an example of an event that affected rail, surface, commuter rail,
and communications infrastructure.
- Transportation groups need to have a better understanding of how to work
with incident responders.
- Unified command structure needs to be developed.
- Currently definitions of critical infrastructure are not coordinated.
- Transportation groups need to become more proficient at sharing
information during emergencies.
- Plans should be developed for decontamination and disposal of material.
- Existing government contracts may not cover specific items or emergencies
that may occur.
- Difficulty in communicating the right information to the right people,
while not allowing it to fall into the wrong hands.
- Need to practice and have compatible resources and practices among various
agencies.
- Credentialing is an issue that transportation agencies need to
consider.
Working Group Discussion
Media relationships were not explored during the workshop. Although
there is great interest in this area, it was felt that their presence at a
workshop could hinder progress among stakeholders.
Security presentations will be given during TRB on Sunday, January 12,
2003. The focus will be more on security hardware than on operations.
FHWA currently working with ITE to develop material/research on security
issues.
Ed Stollof, ITE and Jerry Werner, ICDN: ICDN Update
Membership to the ICDN is now up to 8,302.
The website had between 2300-2500 hits last month.
New items are available on the ITS Cooperative Deployment Network.
- ITS Allows Vehicles and Animals to Share the Road
- Public Transportation Security: Volume 1 - Communication of Threats:
A Guide. Many sources were interviewed during the
development of the document.
- Cross Cutting Studies and State-of-the-Practice Reviews: Archive and
Use of ITS-Generated Data. Relates the institutional issues in
using real time data.
- Enhanced ITS Public Safety Web Page
- Virginia's 511 Service Explores a Next-Generation Partnering
Arrangement. Relates an interesting revenue sharing arrangement
between agencies.
The annual meeting of the Advisory Committee will take place on November
18, 10:00 AM to Noon.
Contact Ed Stollof, Laurie Radow, or Jerry Werner to make the ICDN
resources available on your website.
Laurie Radow, FHWA: Business Meeting
Handouts
- MUTCD Standard Highway Signs fact sheet
- Retroreflective Sheeting Identification Guide
- ITS Public Safety Advisory Group Medical Subcommittee Recommendations
for ITS Technology In Emergency Medical Services
- University of Louisiana/FHWA Hurricane Evacuation Plan study
- ARTBA 2002 International Conference on Roadway Work Zone Safety December
3-7, 2002 Orlando, Florida
- Transportation Research Board 82nd Annual Meeting Announcement:
January 12-16, 2003 Washington, D.C.
Please send comments or thoughts on the meeting or any Working Group related
information to Laurie Radow at Laurel.Radow@fhwa.dot.gov
Ms. Radow thanked Delania Hardy and Kelly Novak for assistance with the
meeting and conference room; Valerie Briggs, Bryan Logan and Vince Pearce for
their presentations, and all Working Group members in attendance.
|
Next Meeting |
|
|
Date:
Time and Location: |
Thursday, December 12, 2003
9:45 a.m. - noon; ITS America, 400
Virginia Avenue, S.W., Suite 800 |
|
Topics and Speakers: |
Jeff Secrist, FMCSA: CVISN;
Dave
Helman, FHWA: Incident Management |
National Associations Working Group for ITS
October
31, 2002
9:45 a.m. - noon
Hall of States
400
N. Capitol Street, Room 231
Washington, DC
Agenda
Opening Remarks and Introductions
Delania Hardy,
Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (10 minutes)
Regional Operations Collaboration and Coordination
(ROCCs)
Valerie Briggs, Booz-Allen & Hamilton,
Inc. (15-minute presentation, 10 minute discussion)
GIS
Bryan Logan, EarthData Holdings, Inc. (20
minute presentation, 15 minute discussion)
FHWA Preparedness and Response Workshops
Vince
Pearce, FHWA(20 minute presentation, 15 minute discussion)
ICDN - Update
Ed Stollof, ITE and Jerry
Werner, ICDN (5 minutes)
Business Meeting
Laurie Radow, FHWA (5 minutes)
|
Next Meeting |
|
|
Date:
Time and Location: |
Thursday, December 12, 2002
9:45 a.m. - noon
ITS America, 400
Virginia Avenue, S.W., Suite 800 |
|
Topics and Speakers: |
Jeff Secrist, FMSCA: CVISN;
Dave Helman,
FHWA; Incident Managment |
National Associations Working Group for ITS
October 31,
2002
Attendance
Delania Hardy, Association of Metropolitan
Planning Organizations
Bill Browder,
Association of American Railroads
Maria
Polis, National Association of Regional
Councils
Zia Burleigh, International
City/Council Management Association
Robert
Hicks, Public Technology,
Inc.
Robert Vanasek, National
Association of Towns and Townships
Laurie
Holmes, National Council of State
Legislatures
Tom Bulger, ITS
America/Friends of ITS
Ed Stollof,
Institute of Transportation Engineers
Melissa
Merrell, Association of Metropolitan Planning
Organizations
Zanetta Doyle,
National Association of Development
Organizations
Kelly Novak, National
Association of Development Organization Research
Foundation
Russell Houston,
Transportation Research Board
Bryan
Logan, Earth Data Holdings Inc.
Valerie
Briggs, Booz Allen & Hamilton Inc.
Leslie
Wollack, Geospatial One Stop
Project
Keith Gates, Federal Highway
Administration, Office of Safety
Amy Houser,
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Albert
Alverez, Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration
Laurie Radow, Federal Highway
Administration
Vince Pearce, Federal Highway
Administration
Rhonda Crawley,
Federal Transit Administration
Tom
Roff, Federal Highway Administration
Carol
Brandt, Bureau of Transportation Statistics
John
Mason, Science Applications International Corporation
Brett
Graves, Science Applications International Corporation
 NAWG page
Visitor counts for this
page.
|
