Abstract
MaxSys Engineering Solutions Inc. (MaxSys) and LEA Associates South Asia (LASA) have developed a state-of-the-art asset management technology for road and railway transportation systems, with special focus on conditions in India. The technology consists of:
- Geographic Information System (GIS) based digital maps, high-resolution satellite imagery (up to 5 m), digital elevation models based on satellite imagery and appropriate data base management system;
- Global Positioning System (GPS) based Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) hardware units with programmable micro processor to collect x-y-z coordinates at pre-determined intervals along road and railway networks, including storing the waypoints until requested to transmit them wirelessly;
- Wireless data transmission hardware units that can operate in a seamless dual mode over terrestrial (GSM) and satellite (Iridium) based infrastructures, capable of transmitting GPS data on demand or as programmed via the microprocessor.
MaxSys and LASA have developed a fully operational asset management system with the above technology, with focus on railway and road networks. In the paper, an overview is given of the integrated technology and its operations are illustrated with practical examples. A particular focus of the paper is applications in disaster management, including the exact location of the site of an accident on digital maps, setting up infrastructures for first responders to accidents, as well as the implementation of efficient, cost effective and timely rescue operations. Applicability of this technology is discussed in terms of accidents on rail and highways, as well as during natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and cyclones.