Multimodal transportation systems : modelling challenges

Abstract

Human mobility within an urban usually happens over a multimodal transportation network. For that reason, when studying, analyzing transportation systems we should not consider each mode of transport separately but we should look to it as multimodal transportation system with relations and dynamics between its components. In order to do any analysis relatedto transportation we need a model reflecting the multimodal nature of the system. The objective of the research is to develop a GIS data model for a multimodal transportation system combining different modes in one network that allows different modal combination in route planning. The modelling concept adopted in this research is formulated by exploring the different GIS modelling techniques formultimodal transportation from literature, and experimenting with them. It consists mainly on having a separate entity (layer, feature class...) for each mode route representing this mode’s network. Modes networks are physicallyseparated from each other. The separation is vertical for different modes and horizontal for the different routes of the same mode. Connecting these separated entities is done through connectors entities representing the transfer action from one route to the other. The concept is applied at ArcGIS platform. The effectiveness of the data model suggested is evaluated by developing a multimodal transportation network model for Enschede city incorporating bus, train, cycling and walking modes and performing path finding analysis with the developed network model. The model developed has proved satisfaction in finding route over a multimodal network using the suitable modal combination that achieves the least cost path. The developed model is also able to simulate all the possible transfer scenarios between the integrated modes and to integrate the cost associated with the different elements, the cost of travelling and the transfer cost. The whole route details including the step by step directions and the detailed as well as the overall cost are also provided with the route. Beside the path finding type of analysis, the data model presented in this research can be a platform for other transportation network based types of analysis.