Technology Application for Freight Data Collection

Abstract

This paper looks at the application of GPS, GIS, wireless communication networks and Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) technology to freight data collection. The Transport Research Centre (in Melbourne) is undertaking a Freight Activity and Commercial Travel Survey (FACTS) which aims to use this technology to collect metropolitan road based freight data in Melbourne. FACTS is currently at the prototype development stage and consists of a GPS based tool to automatically collect location and route choice information, and an electronic touch screen questionnaire to collect data on vehicle stops, the driver and the vehicle. This paper explains the prototype development.