The modelling of dynamic route guidance systems

In attempting to simulate the operation of a dynamic route guidance system, the modelling task is concerned both with the operation of the control system and with the implications this has for modelling driver behaviour (whether or not the driver is receiving information from the controller) and network conditions. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the modelling issues that need to be considered when addressing such a problem, and that have been identified by various authors in reports on experimental/survey work and in discussion papers. The authors achieve this by presenting a structured survey of recent research into dynamic route guidance and highlighting issues that are critical to its effectiveness. They believe that the development of a model that adequately represents the performance of a dynamic route guidance system is of the utmost importance to the success of the system. It will not only provide a means for evaluating the potential benefits, but should also provide an essential insight into the most appropriate means for its implementation and improve the present understanding of transportation networks.