Getting to know the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)
The existence of smooth and safe transportation is one of the most basic infrastructures necessary for the development of industries and increasing the level of social welfare of any country.
Nowadays, the issues and problems of transportation such as environmental pollution, reduction of energy resources, increase of material and moral damages caused by accidents and accidents, problems of supervision and management in transportation Rushing, the increase of lost time and the rapid growth of the demand for transportation It has become a serious problem, especially during peak hours in major cities of the world.
Intelligent transportation system or ITS for short is the use of information and communication technology to improve the performance of the transportation system. "The word ITS refers to a set of tools, facilities and expertise such as traffic engineering concepts, software, hardware and telecommunication technologies that are used in a coordinated and integrated manner to improve efficiency and safety in the transportation system.
Intelligent ITS transportation systems are systems consisting of modern electronics, computer, IT, electro-mechanics, etc. technologies that play a very important role in the planning of land transportation systems today.
The use and planning of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) date back to the early 90s, which in developed countries have started to study the design and expansion of these systems since then, considering the development of various ground transportation systems. And increasing travel demand in an accidental manner and supply problems, various branches (ITS) have been able to provide very favorable effects in solving transportation challenges for governments.
Technologies of intelligent transportation systems
Different technologies are used in intelligent traffic systems. From basic systems such as car guidance and traffic light control system, traffic notice boards, speed camera and automatic vehicle number identification system to advanced and more complex systems that simultaneously integrate different information from different sources. Information such as weather conditions, traffic conditions, road conditions, etc.
The most important functions of ITS
Different technologies are used in intelligent traffic systems. From basic systems such as car guidance and traffic light control system, traffic notice boards, speed camera and automatic vehicle number identification system to advanced and more complex systems that simultaneously integrate different information from different sources. Information such as weather conditions, traffic conditions, road conditions, etc.
- Management and optimization of traffic flow and smooth movement
- Incident management and control
- Management and support of emergency vehicles
- Management of electronic collection of tolls, parking fees, purchase and reservation of tickets, etc.
- Monitoring and control of light and heavy transportation
- Advanced management and navigation
- Public transport management
- Pedestrian management and support and...
The role of intelligent transportation system in transportation system integration
Smart transportation system is not just a new tool or technology. In fact, ITS enables the integration of the transportation system. A transportation system in general includes networks, vehicles, people and goods. Each component of the transportation system has its own specifications, bodies, and sometimes separate government agencies. But information technology is able to make all these components into an integrated system.
If the information is easily and cheaply exchanged by modern technology, the system will have more possibility to be optimized and work properly. On the contrary, if the information is not available or flows with delay, the proper functioning of the system is not possible. In fact, information exchange has a direct impact on the efficiency of the transportation system.
An information-centric transportation system can help solve the old and false problems between transportation and communication. People, goods, and information can be moved from one point to another, and in many cases, one can replace the other to achieve this goal more effectively. For example, sending a letter electronically is faster, cheaper and more reliable than mailing it, or participating in a video conference instead of traveling and attending the conference in another place is much simpler and more economical. Advances in information technology can help create a fully integrated system for years to come.