INTERMODAL TRANSPORTATION NETWORK ANALYSIS – A GIS Application

A framework is presented which may be used to analyze and evaluate intermodal networks. An intermodal network can be defined as an integrated transportation system consisting of two or more modes. Modes on intermodal networks are connected through facilities which allow travelers and/or freight to transfer from one mode to another during a trip from an origin to a destination. The model may be used in the transportation planning field to make predictions regarding future network activity in terms of traffic volumes and travel costs, to evaluate alternative policies for mitigating congestion and reducing energy consumption and air pollution, and to aid the decision making process in terms of future transportation plans. To expedite and facilitate the effort of detailed intermodal network representation and analysis, the network model is interfaced with a Geographic Information System (GIS). This interface allows the user to take advantage of available sources of information on the physical components of the network, store the results of the proposed models in a GIS environment and display them in a spatial data format, and display several layers of information and create thematic maps to support planning and policy initiatives. The importance of the proposed interface as a delivery tool lies in the power of visual images to communicate technical information to non-technical people and simplify concepts. It may be employed to educate diverse audiences on issues such as how out travel habits affect the effectiveness of transportation systems, and the role of policy and decision-making in transportation.