Ship It By GIS

by Mark D. Abkowitz, Dir.; Vanderbilt Engr. Ctr. for Transp. Operations and Res., Vanderbilt Univ., Box 1625, Station B, Nashville, TN 37235,
Paul Der-Ming Cheng, Vanderbilt Engrg. Ctr. for Transp. Operations and Res., Vanderbilt Univ., Box 1625, Station B, Nashville, TN,
Mark Lepotsky, Vanderbilt Engrg. Ctr. for Transp. Operations and Res., Vanderbilt Univ., Box 1625, Station B, Nashville, TN,


Serial Information: Civil Engineering—ASCE, 1990, Vol. 60, Issue 4, Pg. 64-66


Document Type: Feature article

Abstract:

Abkowitz, Cheng and Lepotsky describe a GIS system for routing hazardous materials shipments. The safe transport of hazardous materials is emerging as a significant concern impacting local, regional and national transportation policy. For this reason, there is a pressing need to develop methods for evaluating alternative shipment routes, and for developing emergency preparedness and evacuation plans in the event that a hazardous cargo spill occurs. The article defines GIS applications for hazardous materials transport problems and demonstrates the benefits that can be achieved by adapting GIS to this area. The articles describes: 1) the decision environment for managing hazardous materials shipments, 2) GIS data availability to support analysis needs, 3) application of a first generation GIS model to identify preferred hazardous materials shipment routes, 4) comprehensive approaches using GIS for emergency preparedness and evacuation planning, and 5) problems encountered in using GIS technology for hazardous materials transport applications.

Subject Headings: Hazardous substances | Geographic information systems | Freight transportation | Traffic safety | Hazardous materials spills | Evacuation | Emergency management

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