Principal investigator. Dr. Brian L. Smith, University of Virginia, 804-243-8406, bls2z@virginia.edu
External contact. James Robinson, VDOT, 1401 E. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23219, 804-786-6677
Project objective. Evaluation of CapWIN (Capital area Wireless Integrated Network) in its early stages of development.
Project abstract. A critical concern in regional transportation incident management is the problem of Aislands of communications@ in our public safety and transportation departments. This project, a collaboration with the University of Maryland, seeks to address this problem by developing a strategic plan for the development of a wireless integrated network for the Washington Metropolitan region. This strategic plan will include the following elements: vision, goals, functional requirements, hardware/ software requirements, security requirements, operational policies, business agreements, and implementation strategy. UVA's role in CapWIN will be to lead the evaluation of the value of using a wireless network to integrate public safety agencies with existing transportation management systems. It is expected that in future phases of the project, UVA will work particularly to develop prototype applications in the Smart Travel Laboratory that make use of the CapWIN infrastructure.
Tasks. 1) description of state-of-the-practice in wireless networks applications in transportation management. 2) user needs assessment. 3) preparation of a functional requirements document to facilitate the implementation of CapWIN.
Milestones. The three tasks will be completed by January 2001.
Student involvement. Two full-effort GRAs will be utilized.
Budget $122,000
Relationship to other research projects. At present there is no immediate relationship. George Mason is negotiating to carry out CapWIN evaluation also, in which case close interaction will be called for.
Technology transfer. Transmittal to VDOT of findings. Publication in professional journals.
Potential benefits. CapWIN is a major test of how in-vehicle data needs of public safety officers and transportation officers can be met. The rest of the country will be watching how successful this is, so this evaluation will be important to the nationwide initiative.
TRB keywords. ITS, evaluation