Though the majority of high profile energy-efficiency projects are targeted towards overcoming dirty energy dependency, in the interim several lower profile technologies are addressing these same challenges. GPS route optimization is one such technology.
Public transportation vehicles, including municipal bus fleets, use a significant amount of energy every year. Fortunately, we’ve seen a somewhat steady rate of decline in the amount of fuel that’s actually burned. Many reasons for this decline exist:
- Fewer people traveling
- People living closer to work
- Hybrid transportation
- Job location
- Alternate means of transportation (i.e. bicycles)
In addition to individuals cutting down on fuel use, municipalities are also getting in the fuel-conservation game by employing route optimization technology–a GPS tool that calculates the quickest course from point A to B.
In a joint venture between the City and County of San Francisco, NAVTEQ, ESRI, and CGI, the partnership developed a plan to decrease greenhouse gas emissions from city vehicle fleets in the SF Bay Area through Fleet Route Optimization Software. Similar to the way some delivery service trucks have instituted an “only turn right” policy in large cities, this route optimization project aims to reduce fuel consumption and create higher efficiency and savings.
NAVTEQ produces digital maps that power navigation and location-based services solutions worldwide, including:
- Mobile navigation devices
- Internet-based mapping applications
- Government and business solutions
- Auto navigation systems
Using GIS mapping software, ESRI aids in the data interpretation process, further helping in transportation-based decision-making. The “alternate routes” attribute on most basic consumer GPS systems shares a resemblance to the system San Francisco is employing. Similarly, Google Maps can simulate different routes based on time and distance.
Both NAVTEQ and ESRI hope to supply influential solutions for technology companies that will eventually solidify advanced route optimization. This is something that has already taken effect in the City and County of San Francisco and will continue to improve energy efficiency in regards to transportation fuel costs.
Texas-based Institute of Information Technology has helped many municipalities such as Houston, Shreveport, and Memphis optimize their routes. Implementing IIT’s technology, the City of Houston improved its operations by 15% at a savings of more than $1 million per year.
As route optimization technology grows, more municipalities will realize its potential and make use of it to save fuel, labor, and taxpayer dollars. As well, as the technology progresses and becomes less expensive, individual consumers will begin seeing GPS as a fundamental part of any efficient automobile.
This guest article was shared by Jack Lundee for release on Green Home Authority.
