| The organization of this group is new and encompasses a broad arena of research, education, and technical assistance. The name "Visualization Analytics, Modeling, and Simulation" is used internally to cover all the program areas directed by Dr. Ron Hughes.
The group is divided up into three programs:
- Spatial Data: Research, Training, and Technical Assistance
- Commercial Vehicles Enforcement, Security and Safety
- Visual Simulation and Modeling
ITRE's old program termed "Municipal Technical Services Program or MTSP" which included the training and technical services of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Infrastructure or Pavement Management are now part of a program called "Spatial Data" which is a program area of this group of researchers, teachers, and technical personnel.
In July 2005 the commercial vehicle safety and security program at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Highway Safety Research Center (HSRC) became the responsibility of the Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) at North Carolina State University (NCSU). This shift of program responsibility was the result of the transfer of Dr. Ron Hughes from UNC-HSRC to NCSU-ITRE. ITRE’s elevation of Commercial Vehicle Safety and Security to that of a major ITRE program is evidence of NCSU’s desire to sustain the same ‘core’ status afforded this work by UNC-HSRC. With the permission of HSRC, ITRE has brought over the commercial vehicle safety and security content of the HSRC Web site (in large part, the research conducted by Dr. Hughes while at HSRC in order to ensure program continuity.
Visual Simulation and Modeling is an ‘emerging’ research area at ITRE. Modeling work currently being pursued by the group lies in the area vehicle-pedestrian interaction; in roundabout and continuous turn lane treatments aimed at improving access for visually impaired individuals. The program area has proposed a new ‘Center of Excellence’ in Visualization in Transportation for this group. Learn more on the Simulation and Modeling Program page.
You can learn more about this new organization from the program area links on the left menu, including a short history page. VAMS home page, if you have not visited it, also tells more about the new group and it's vision.
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