Citation

Woodman WF, Brewer KA. Transp. Res. Rec. 1983; 929: 22-25.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1983, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Individuals and organizations active in a particular technology form are often unable to perceive the direction and magnitude of change in their area when the impetus for the change is external to their technological (or disciplinary) area. An analogy between the impact of the evolving characteristics of computer systems and the development of the automobile is developed with respect to their impacts on transportation. The near future character of computer systems is examined with respect to the manner in which each characteristic is likely to impact the processes of transportation and traffic engineering. Three examples of probable impact areas in transportation engineering are discussed: (a) traffic control safety by using the principles of positive guidance control, (b) site analysis for traffic environment effects, and (c) data base development and manipulation. Lastly, and most importantly, the capability of the computer to integrate the fragmentation of specialized talents with transportation practice is discussed. This probable and most significant effect of computer-aided communication in transportation suggests that a new focus, distinct from and more broadly based than the current paths to practice will develop: i.e., the transportationist.

Record URL:
http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1983/929/929-005.pdf

Language: en

Keywords

TRANSPORTATION; TECHNOLOGICAL FORECASTING