Dynamic Route Guidance and Network Traffic Management: Theoretical Evaluation and Practical Application Issues

Use of Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) are considered a
promising way to improve traffic condition by helping travelers to
efficiently use existing transportation facilities. The research
examines a wide variety of information dissemination schemes under
technologies such as in-vehicle navigation systems, changeable message
signs, GPS-based location systems and wireless or Internet based
vehicle communication and routing. This study evaluates various route
guidance systems via static and dynamic network optimization and
traffic simulation models. Parametric studies are conducted on certain
aspects, due to the lack of good models on driver response/compliance
to ATIS information. The dissertation also develops preliminary
insights on networks with multiple information service vendors and the
complex dynamics that result from it. The research methodology
incorporates non-linear network optimization algorithms, heuristic
optimizations as well as traffic network simulation schemes.