Can Dynamic Mapping Systems Enhance Transportation Initiatives?

FREMONT, CA – Of all the problems plaguing the modern world, traffic congestion is one of the foremost, if not the primary one. It will only get worse, as the urban population keeps on increasing. According to a report by the United Nations, almost two-thirds of the population will likely have moved to the cities by the year 2050.

However, the emergence of electric bikes, car shares, scooters, and tunnel trains are slowly changing the landscape of transportation, alleviating the stress of traffic congestions. Also, many cities are taking steps to integrate interactive maps and planning information in a single database to aid residents, visitors, as well as city planners.

The challenge lies in making the transportation options available to the general public. Advanced transportation initiatives also require advance mapping systems to facilitate efficient navigation within the cities. Municipalities can introduce digital maps with dynamic navigation capabilities to offer traffic solutions to the public.

The ride-sharing initiative has revolutionized transportation approaches in cities. It has provided the people living in urban areas with options other than owning a car. The ride-sharing cabs utilize interactive maps which can display pickup and drop locations. The feature is especially useful during significant events in the city, including conventions and parades. The map can be updated regularly to display the available transport routes in case of closures and traffic jams. Apart from cab sharing services, many cities have introduced scooter and bike sharing, which is especially convenient for people going to and from work. The adoption of dynamic maps can notify the users regarding the availability of e-bikes and scooters available in a particular area.

Municipalities are also focused on increasing the options of public transport equipped with digital maps and GIS integration. It will enable smartphone users to locate the nearest train and bus stations, and also the schedule. The digital map devices can enable the transport workers to notify the public about any changes in schedule, breakdowns, estimates times of arrival, and alternative means and routes.

In the case of parking, digital maps can be used to highlight parking spaces and notify the users regarding parking space. Municipalities can utilize RFID tags and other tracking systems to track open parking spaces in the city. It can save the time of vehicle users, as well as in alleviating congestion.