Cognitive map: Knowledge Based Decision Support System integration in transportation planning

This paper discusses how to use an integrated cognitive map-knowledge decision support model to help the transportation planners in their selection of the most suitable alternative for a water crossing infrastructure. It also illustrates the evolution of this research since 1994. In this latest version, the knowledge is acquired from 19 experts on the subject and then an expert system is used to evaluate the alternatives based on their centrality, namely relative importance, shown by the aggregated cognitive map. Finally, this version of the model is applied to solve the water crossing traffic congestion of the Bosphorus at Istanbul and the validity of the results is discussed.