Transportation Modeling
The transportation model used to project future travel patterns is a computer
model that looks at the relationship between transportation and land use. Homes
and jobs create a demand for transportation facilities. Likewise, the
availability of convenient transportation is a catalyst for land development.
Data, such as population and employment, is input into the model to assist
planners in determining the types of improvements needed to most efficiently
move people and goods.
The Florida Standard Urban Transportation Model Structure (FSUTMS) is the
model used by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and urban area
transportation planners. In Florida, FSUTMS uses standardized computer software
data formats and operating procedures, which are common to all urban studies in
Florida, and whose primary purpose is to produce long-range travel demand
forecasts. Under such standardization, FDOT is able to efficiently provide
software updates, procedural manuals and technical support to district and local
planning agencies.
For more information, please visit: Tampa Bay Regional Transportation Analysis (click to visit that
site).
GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
Over the past five years, the MPO has been using Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) to produce maps more quickly and efficiently. GIS is a
computer-based tool that combines map making with data. The MPO begins by
creating a database that includes items such as the roadway network, transit
routes, bicycle lanes, accident locations, land use and environmentally
sensitive areas, among other types of data. This data is then "geo-referenced,"
or tied to a specific geographic location. Thus, each time the MPO creates a
map, the information appears in the correct location.
GIS capabilities allow the MPO to more quickly perform queries or "what
ifs." Maps are particularly useful when comparing several different
transportation scenarios and can help policy-makers visualize where congestion
may occur or be alleviated. The ability of users to share information is
another benefit of GIS. The MPO is part of a Regional GIS Coordinating
Committee that works to improve ways to share regional GIS data throughout the
Tampa Bay Region. Also, the MPO is part of LINKS, a Local Inter-organizational
Networked Knowledge Systems Group that shares problems and solutions about GIS
software and databases.
