Volpe Center: Volpe Center Highlights

Information Resources

Volpe Center Highlights - January 2000

Mobility

Ensure that the transportation system is accessible, integrated and efficient, and offers flexibility of choices.

Volpe Staff Member Chairs Session at Pecora 14 Land Satellite Information Conference (RSPA)

Dr. Aviva Brecher of the Transportation Strategic Planning and Analysis Office chaired a session on "Applications of Remote Sensing to Transportation" at the Pecora 14 Land Satellite Information Conference held in Denver, Colorado, from December 6 to 10, 1999. The conference, "Demonstrating the Value of Satellite Imagery," was sponsored by DOT, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other federal agencies and professional organizations.

The conference featured an entire track on "Applications of Remote Sensing to Transportation" organized by the Transportation Research Board (TRB), as well as a training workshop for state and local transportation officials on "Advances in Remote Sensing and Data Capture Technologies for Transportation Applications." In addition, participants from the Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) discussed the new DOT Research and Technology Applications Program and the DOT/NASA strategic partnership that will apply existing commercial remote sensing products to critical multi-modal transportation needs and that will develop new transportation technologies. For more information on the status of the Remote Sensing Transportation Applications Program, go to http://scitech.dot.gov.

Weather Issues and Needs Presented at Surface Transportation Symposium (FRA)

On December 1, 1999, Mr. Michael Rossetti of the Transportation Strategic Planning and Analysis Office presented "Weather Issues and Needs for Railroads" at the Symposium on Weather Information for Surface Transportation in Silver Spring, Maryland. The symposium was co-sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorology and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The goal of the symposium was to establish national needs and requirements for applying weather information to surface transportation. Briefings and panel discussions were held to aid participants in understanding the relevant overall weather information issues and needs for surface transportation decision-making activities.

Volpe Participates in ITS America Frequency Spectrum Workshop (FTA)

Mr. Joseph LoVecchio of the Telecommunications Division delivered a presentation on transit industry needs for Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) applications at ITS America's 5.9 GHz Stakeholders Workshop held from December 16 to 17, 1999, in Washington, D.C. More than 60 representatives from the telecommunications industry, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the ITS Joint Program Office (JPO), and JPO support contractors were in attendance.

ITS improves the safety and efficiency of surface transportation of people, vehicles, and goods. Telecommunications is a key component of ITS. As part of the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Advanced Public Transportation Systems Program, the Volpe Center provides technical support to FTA on telecommunications technology and electromagnetic spectrum issues. One recent spectrum development is the proposed allocation of the 5.9 GHz band for DSRC in ITS applications.

Mr. LoVecchio's presentation discussed transit industry use of DSRC, and transit interest in and support of the development of ITS standards for the new 5.9GHz band. Industry representatives stressed the need for timely development of standards if interoperable equipment is to be developed at the new frequency. Additionally, stakeholders discussed the need for active DOT involvement in standards development.

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