-
City of Norfolk
Page 11
data gathered during recurring flooding may be used to validate flood-prediction models
developed at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), help local entrepreneurs to gauge
the current customer needs, to fine-tune their operation hours, and to manage supplies.
Much investigation has been done recently in applying Big Data techniques to specific data sets
mentioned above. However, research into the integration of many data sets with diverse data
types to infer societal and economic impacts has just begun and is being enabled by emerging
public data storage and user access facilities as well as high-capacity network infrastructure. In
particular, data.gov portal contains a variety of data sets in many domains of interest to the
society. One possibility is to supply the transportation data being gathered by the City of Norfolk
with a similar meta-data structure so that it may be combined with existing data.gov data sets
using Big Data methods and---as an outcome of the data-collection activities---be housed in the
data.gov repository for the open public access.
In 2015, the City of Norfolk began working with Socrata, the global leader in software solutions
that is designed exclusively for a digital government. Socrata’s cloud-based Software as a Service
(SaaS) solutions supported by their Open Data network provide data driven innovation and
transform data into actionable insights for measurable cost savings. With Socrata’s Open Data
API and our creative commons license, developers and entrepreneurs can programmatically
access the City’s data for their own consumption and application development. Some datasets
we have on the Socrata open data platform are: (1) Call Center/311 requests; (2) Code
Enforcement Cases; and (3) Building Permits.
Also in 2015, the City launched our ArcGIS Online Open GIS data site to share our live
authoritative GIS data. The City’s Open GIS platform allows anyone to explore, visualize, analyze,
and share geospatial data to help solve real problems at no cost. Built using the ArcGIS REST API
the City’s Open GIS data site provides a simple, open web interface to our hosted map services.
The allows for multiple output formats to be consumed, including html (HyperText Markup
Language), json (JavaScript Object Notation), image, kmz (compressed KML, or Keyhole Markup
Language), and jsapi (JavaScript) to name a few. Some dataset groups we have on the ArcGIS
open data platform include: (1) Property Information layers; (2) Transportation; (3) Planning and
Zoning; and (4) Public Safety.
4 Preliminary Site Map
Figure 2 contains several mapping images that help describe features relevant to the suitability
of Norfolk for providing an excellent site for USDOT’s investment. Key features illustrated on the
main map include tunnels, traffic signals, the Tide LRT line, and railroad crossings. A proposed
“test bed” for Connected Vehicle V2I equipment (further description in Section 5) is located.
Other sites shown include the two largest intermodal port facilities, Virginia International
Terminal and Lambert’s Point Coal Terminal, Naval Station Norfolk, and Old Dominion University.
The intermodal terminals are served by Norfolk Southern rail lines.
City of Norfolk
Page 12
Figure 2
Test Bed
Figure 2. Preliminary Site Map
Tidal Inundation Tracking Application for Norfolk (City Developed)
Berkley Bridge Lift Span (I-264)
Typical Railroad Underpass
With TITAN,
residents can view
the impacts of a
predicted flooding
event
City of Norfolk
Page 13
5 Holistic Approach to USDOT Vision Elements
In Section 1 we discussed a Vision for Norfolk’s future, and key “project areas”. That Vision
reflects a very holistic approach to our City’s challenges, but the next “level” must delve into
more detailed objectives and strategies. This section provides elaboration, and addresses the
objectives of USDOT’s funding. These strategies continue to focus on achieving impact while
keeping costs low, thinking “beyond traffic”, and always remaining adaptable.
It is noteworthy that for every vision element there are inherent synergies with others, and in
fact necessary ones to achieve impacts, but also opportunistic ones that can cumulatively
increase impact. For example, data sensing alone accomplishes nothing. In keeping with our key
principles, we will seek to leverage synergies to multiply benefit and keep costs low. The efficient
and balanced integration of elements is critical to achieving maximum success.
The table below addresses our Vision’s alignment with each of the 12 USDOT Vision Elements.
Vision
Element
Alignment and Approach
ONE
Urban
Automation
The City has numerous locations that are sure to benefit from the introduction of
“community” autonomous vehicles, in addition to general private fleet absorption. Two
college campuses, a downtown with residents and visitors frequenting its attractions,
the historic Ghent district, circulators for LRT and ferry patrons. Our proposed
information system is highly supportive of creating the intelligence platform for
autonomous vehicles in demand-based services and transit connection roles. Such
services could provide improved mobility at less cost. Support for V2X infrastructure
testing in support of is addressed below. Our Port and
Navy partners could have ideal applications.
The figure to the right illustrates a potential LRT station
feeder service connecting neighborhoods that are
separated from the station by highways. Norfolk’s own
staff or contracted resources could be utilized for the
application of pavement markings or other roadway
infrastructure to support pilots or testing.
TWO
Connected
Vehicles
(and other
users)
Norfolk’s team will benefit from and build on the knowledge base accumulated over the
years from the USDOT’s Connected Vehicle (CV) test-beds and Pilot Deployment
Program around the country (e.g., Southeast Michigan, CV Pilot in NYC). Much has been
learned over the years, ranging from the development of systems for privacy protection
to standards for broadcasting SPaT (signal phase and timing) message from the RSU to
the receiving on-board equipment (OBE). There is much more yet to develop, test,
prove, and implement before these technologies, or elements thereof, are considered
“roadworthy”.
To provide an environment for showcasing and testing Connected Vehicles concepts
and technologies the Norfolk team plans to do the following:
The City will provide the base infrastructure for a comprehensive real-world arterial
system test-bed, that will include a continuous-flow intersection, a single-point arterial
interchange, a railroad overpass with adjacent signals, three interstate interchanges