Transportation Data Analytics
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Intelligent Transportation Systems course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
A : #
A:
Automated Vehicle #
A vehicle that is capable of sensing its environment and operating without human input. Also known as a "self-driving vehicle."
Automated Vehicle Systems #
The technologies and systems that allow a vehicle to operate without human input, including sensors, cameras, radar, and artificial intelligence.
B : #
B:
Big Data #
Large, complex sets of data that can be analyzed to reveal patterns, trends, and insights. In transportation, big data may include information on traffic flow, vehicle usage, and passenger behavior.
Bottleneck #
A point in a transportation system where demand exceeds capacity, leading to delays and congestion.
C : #
C:
Connected Vehicle #
A vehicle that is equipped with wireless communication technologies that allow it to communicate with other vehicles, infrastructure, and devices.
Congestion Pricing #
A pricing strategy that charges drivers a fee for using certain roads or entering certain areas during peak travel times, with the goal of reducing congestion and improving traffic flow.
D : #
D:
Demand Management #
Strategies and policies aimed at reducing demand for transportation, such as carpooling programs, telecommuting, and congestion pricing.
Dynamic Routing #
The use of real-time data and analytics to determine the most efficient route for a vehicle, taking into account factors such as traffic congestion and road closures.
E : #
E:
Electric Vehicle #
A vehicle that is powered by an electric motor, rather than a internal combustion engine.
Energy Efficiency #
The amount of energy used to move a vehicle or transportation system, expressed as a ratio of energy input to output.
F : #
F:
Freight Analytics #
The use of data and analytics to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of freight transportation, including the movement of goods by truck, rail, and ship.
Fleet Management #
The process of managing a fleet of vehicles, including scheduling maintenance, tracking fuel consumption, and monitoring driver behavior.
G : #
G:
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) #
A system for capturing, storing, analyzing, and visualizing geographic data. In transportation, GIS may be used to map traffic patterns, analyze land use, and plan transportation infrastructure.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions #
The release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. In transportation, greenhouse gas emissions may be reduced through the use of electric vehicles, fuel-efficient engines, and demand management strategies.
H : #
H:
High #
Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane: A lane on a highway or road that is reserved for vehicles carrying multiple passengers, with the goal of reducing congestion and promoting carpooling.
Hybrid Vehicle #
A vehicle that uses a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency.
I : #
I:
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) #
The use of advanced technologies, such as sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence, to improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of transportation systems.
Inventory Management #
The process of tracking and controlling the flow of goods and materials within a transportation system, with the goal of reducing costs and improving efficiency.
K : #
K:
Key Performance Indicator (KPI) #
A metric used to measure the performance of a transportation system or organization, such as on-time performance, customer satisfaction, or safety.
L : #
L:
Logistics Management #
The process of planning, implementing, and controlling the flow of goods and materials within a transportation system, with the goal of meeting customer needs while minimizing costs and maximizing efficiency.
Location #
Based Services: Services that use location data, such as GPS, to provide information or services to users, such as directions, traffic updates, and nearby points of interest.
M : #
M:
Mobility as a Service (MaaS) #
A concept that refers to the integration of various transportation modes, such as bus, train, and ride-hailing, into a single platform, with the goal of providing users with seamless, convenient, and affordable transportation options.
Multi #
Modal Transportation: The use of multiple transportation modes, such as bus, train, and bike, to complete a trip.
N : #
N:
Neural Network #
A type of artificial intelligence model that is inspired by the structure and function of the human brain, and is used for tasks such as image recognition and natural language processing.
Node #
A point in a transportation network, such as an intersection or a station, where vehicles or passengers can change direction or transfer to another mode of transportation.
O : #
O:
Optimization #
The process of finding the best solution to a problem, based on a set of constraints and objectives. In transportation, optimization may be used to determine the most efficient route for a vehicle, or to allocate resources in the most cost-effective way.
Origin #
Destination (O-D) Matrix: A table that shows the number of trips between different origins and destinations in a transportation system.
P : #
P:
Performance Measurement #
The process of collecting and analyzing data on the performance of a transportation system or organization, with the goal of identifying areas for improvement and tracking progress over time.
Public Transportation #
A system of transportation that is publicly owned and operated, and is available to the general public, such as buses, trains, and subways.
Q : #
Q:
Queue #
A line of vehicles or passengers waiting to use a particular resource, such as a toll booth or a train platform.
R : #
R:
Real #
Time Data: Data that is collected and analyzed in real-time, rather than being based on historical information. In transportation, real-time data may be used to monitor traffic flow, track vehicle location, and provide updates to travelers.
Ride #
Hailing: A service that allows users to request a ride from a driver using a smartphone app, such as Uber or Lyft.
S : #
S:
Safety Management System #
A system for identifying and mitigating safety risks in a transportation system, including the use of data and analytics to identify trends and patterns in accidents and incidents.
Smart City #
A city that uses advanced technologies, such as sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence, to improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of urban systems, including transportation.
T : #
T:
Telematics #
The use of wireless communication technologies, such as GPS and cellular networks, to monitor and manage vehicles and transportation systems.
Transportation Data Analytics #
The use of data and analytics to improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of transportation systems, including the analysis of traffic flow, vehicle usage, and passenger behavior.
Transportation Management Center (TMC) #
A facility that is responsible for monitoring and managing a transportation system, including the use of data and analytics to identify and respond to incidents and congestion.
U : #
U:
Urban Mobility #
The movement of people and goods within an urban area, including the use of public transportation, active transportation, and private vehicles.
Urban Planning #
The process of designing and managing the development of urban areas, including the