MOBILE INFORMATION SYSTEMS IMPACT STUDY

Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Research and Development Branch Transport Canada, Transportation Development Centre E.R. Case (416) 2354676 The report presents a review of the state-of-the-art of in-vehicle navigation and mobile communications techniques and equipment. A features matrix is used to classify the equipment in terms of infrastructure relationship, navigation technology, system function, etc. Human factors implications are also adThe primary functions likely to be provided in future systems (eg., road map display, en-route conditions, vehicle/cargo position tracking) and their specific features are grouped under five application areas: travel advisory, fleet management, traffic management, mobile office, occupant activities and vehicle control. Likely user communities and Canadian hardware/software suppliers are described for a further perspective on future markets. Summaries of foreign programs are presented. Primary issues for the development of standards and regulations are discussed and preliminary (stop-gap) man-machine interface standards are recommended to ensure safe use of the various devices. The report identifies research, development and demonstration needs, and recommends seven priority projects to accelerate the design and manufacture of Canadian systems and to identify opportunities for the increased use of these technologies. Comments: This report is part of MTO Research and Development Project 25180.