Regional ITS Architectures
The National ITS Architecture is used as a template to create regional ITS architectures that are tailored for a specific state, metropolitan area, or other region of interest (e.g., a major corridor or a National Park). The National ITS Architecture provides the fundamental building blocks - the subsystems and terminators, interfaces (as defined by the architecture flows), service packages, equipment packages, and functional requirements that are selectively included in the regional ITS architecture and customized as necessary to fully reflect the envisioned regional transportation system.Once created, a regional ITS architecture is a framework for institutional agreement and technical integration for the region. The regional ITS architecture defines the links between the pieces of the system and the information that is exchanged on each connection. Over 300 regional ITS architectures have been developed so chances are good that you already have one in your region.
The Turbo Architecture software provides an easy way to personalize and customize the National ITS Architecture for a specific region as shown in the following figure.
In this example, the general interface between the Traffic Management Subsystem and Transit Management Subsystem from the National ITS Architecture is used as a template for defining the interface between a city public works department Traffic Management Center and the city's Transit Operations Center. The Turbo User selects the portion of the National ITS Architecture interface that applies. This is the essence of the Turbo Architecture software; the same basic approach is used to select and tailor service packages, equipment packages, functional requirements, and applicable standards for the region. Turbo Architecture is also used to maintain the regional ITS architecture as projects are completed, the region's priorities evolve, and the opportunities offered by technology and integration in the transportation system advance.
