Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) for Efficient Transportation Management
Published on : Thursday 01-08-2024
The development of autonomous vehicles will require sophisticated GIS systems to navigate and operate safely, says Sharada Prahladrao.
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Various trends influence the Geospatial Information Systems market: the adoption of digital technologies, out-of-the-box GIS offerings, cloud and mobile deployments, and location-based analytics. All this knowledge I gleaned from ARC Advisory Group’s recent research on Geospatial Information Systems. But what caught my attention was its use in transportation and why it is so important. When we travel, maps and navigation systems are high on our priority list. Many of us use them only when we are in a new place or lost, but geospatial information is transforming the transportation industry in many ways. Online maps have become one of the most evolving industries with the continuous development of digital maps and navigation systems. The world over, conversations revolve around urban traffic congestion and how much time it takes to get from Point A to B. So, when I learned that GIS can effectively be used for traffic analysis and management, my interest piqued.
How does GIS help?
GIS is a powerful tool that enables the analysis and visualisation of spatial data, allowing for the integration of geographical elements into transportation planning and management. The benefits of using GIS in transportation are improved efficiency, safety, and sustainability. GIS plays a significant role in traffic analysis by providing tools for managing and analysing traffic data, which helps in understanding traffic patterns and making informed decisions for traffic management. In a nutshell, here’s how GIS contributes to traffic analysis:
Traffic Data Management: GIS platforms enable the collection and storage of traffic data from various sources, including sensors, cameras, and GPS devices. This data is geographically referenced and can be used to monitor real-time traffic conditions.
Traffic Pattern Analysis: GIS software allows for the analysis of traffic patterns over time. By visualising traffic data on maps, it’s possible to identify trends, peak traffic times, and areas of congestion.
Route Optimisation: GIS can be used to find the most efficient routes for transportation, considering factors such as distance, travel time, and current traffic conditions. This is particularly useful for fleet management and logistics.
Accident Analysis: Traffic accidents can be plotted on a map using GIS to identify accident-prone areas. This information can be used to improve road safety measures.
Traffic Forecasting: GIS tools can help predict future traffic flows based on historical data and trends. This can assist in planning infrastructure improvements and traffic management strategies.
Public Transportation Planning: GIS is used to plan and optimise public transportation routes and schedules, ensuring better coverage and service for the community.
Boon for urban planners
Analysis of all these patterns and factors can help urban planners develop a GIS-based transportation management system. GIS solutions can serve as an effective planning guide for traffic management, offering strategic insights into applications and forecasts for various projects. Ensuring interoperability between GIS and other systems is crucial for efficient traffic planning and management. The results of using GIS in this manner could include reduced congestion, shorter travel times, and improved safety.
Companies like Hexagon offer solutions that enable faster decision-making by turning complex data about people, places, and assets into actionable information. GIS platforms from companies like SuperMap GIS and Esri have capabilities in geospatial data management and visualisation, which are vital for transportation planning and management. Visualising assets in transportation infrastructure management offers several benefits that enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. Key advantages include enhanced communication and efficiency, cost saving, and risk management.
Concluding thoughts
The future of Geospatial Information Systems in transportation is upbeat, with emerging technologies and applications expanding its horizon. For example, the development of autonomous vehicles will require sophisticated GIS systems to navigate and operate safely. Field visits to scout for business opportunities are now unnecessary. With geospatial data all this can be done easily, while providing rich insights that help in the decision-making process. As the need to collect and analyse spatial data rises across industries, GIS will become even more pertinent to companies and governments. It will be interesting to see how the transportation industry optimises the usage of GIS.
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Article courtesy: ARC Advisory Group
Sharada Prahladrao is the Editor & Public Relations Manager at ARC Advisory Group. Besides editing global research reports she writes Insights, ARCViews and
blogs. She has the innate ability to understand complex concepts and express them lucidly. She liaises with the media and contributes articles written by her and ARC colleagues regularly to industrial publications.
Prior to joining ARC, Sharada worked as a copywriter for F D Stewart and Clarion Advertising; provided media-related work for CorvoShandwick, a PR firm; and freelanced for local newspapers. She has been involved with two NGOs: integrating children with disabilities into mainstream education and rural education programs. She’s an alumna of Rishi Valley School, Andhra Pradesh and Mount Carmel College, Bangalore.
Bürkert updates and expands its range of manual process valves
Manual control valves are essential in many applications and Bürkert's range has recently been updated and expanded.
Fluid control in hygienic applications relies on process valves to deliver precision and reliability, ensuring a consistent and high-quality end-product. Among the myriad of equipment, the manual control valve is often overlooked, but not by Bürkert. Although less frequently used than their automated counterparts, manual control valves are essential in many applications and Bürkert's range has recently been updated and expanded.
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Bürkert Fluid Control Systems is renowned for high-quality, reliable process valves and these qualities apply across the range, including the manual valves, which are very competitive in this cost-conscious sector.
The company's already wide range of manual valves has been extended as well as upgraded with new features. The newly released products include basic and full function diaphragm valves, angle seat valves and globe valves, all available with various options.
Individual process requirements can vary enormously between industries and Bürkert is keen to support each one equally. Pipe diameter is an excellent example, with pharmaceutical processes more often using smaller diameters compared to the food and beverage sector. Consequently, Bürkert's valve range accommodates nearly all common pipe sizes from DN08 to DN100 for the manual valve range.
For example, the outgoing valves, Type 2000/2012 are being replaced by Type 2920/2921, which now include DN100 sizing. Made from stainless steel, with PTFE or PEEK seals, the new angle seat and globe valves are rated to 25 bar pressure and 230 °C media temperatures.
For dynamic processes, valves are equipped with a visible position indicator and efficient flow can be maintained by using the optional, adjustable min/max stroke feature. For those processes required higher levels of safety, a locking feature can limit access to the control valve.
Comparing the new Type 2960 with the outgoing Type 2702, the improved model has a larger spindle diameter as well as improved spindle guidance, ensuring more reliable and vibration-free operation. Moreover, the closed actuator design prevents corrosion of the internal components when operating in more challenging environments.
Bürkert's manual valves are designed for safe and water hammer-free operation, which prevents damage to piping systems and instrumentation, thanks to the soft-close mechanism.
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