RITIS Website Technical Manual

V1.0
Submitted to For English 393 November 19, 2007 By -

College Park MD, 20740 November 21, 2007 Center for Advanced Transportation Technology 5000 College Ave. Suite 3103 College Park, MD 20740 Dear Mr. -: Here is the initial version (v1.0) of the manual, RITIS Website Technical Manual. The RITIS website has become a powerful set of tools with many complex features and options that require a relatively high level of familiarity and general technical experience to use. In order to alleviate any possible confusion surrounding the operation of the various components of the website for traffic management center operators throughout the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, this manual was written as a guide to its proper use. It includes complete written explanations for different sections of the site with step-by-step instructions for completing common tasks within them, and associated figures illustrating the processes. While this version of the manual covers the operation of nearly all of the major sections of the site, the next version will include additional material that discusses the traffic data query tool, graph usage, and those sections of the site currently under construction that have placeholders in this version of the manual. During the time I was interacting with different features of the site in order to write this document, I discovered several bugs and errors in the system that should be addressed as soon as possible. Some of the more serious errors actually prevented my access to features of the data archive that I needed to explain in this manual. Hopefully we can schedule a meeting shortly to discuss these issues and have them resolved. Though I was able to write most of this version of the manual from my own personal experience in using and developing the website, it could not have been completed without the assistance of yourself and the helpful employees at the CATT Lab. I would personally like to thank you for the in-depth walkthrough of the website and sit-down time you were able to provide during our meeting. Please extend my thanks to the employees as well. Working on this version of the manual was an enjoyable experience that greatly improved my understanding of the different components of the entire RITIS project and its accompanying website. I am confident that the finished manual will provide the detailed information necessary to answer all questions that may arise about the website. If you have any concerns or questions please contact me anytime by phone at 240-446-8749 or through e-mail at shamill@umd.edu.

Sincerely, -

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Table of Contents

iv

Figure 2 - : Login Form 2.......................................................viii Figure 2 - : RITIS Password Reset 3.......................................viii Table 3 - : Legend of Shared Transportation System Status Icons 3.................................................................................viii Figure 3 - : Left portion of Incident List 4...............................viii Figure 3 - : Right portion of Incident List 4............................viii Figure 3 - : Preview of Sorting Columns 5..............................viii Figure 3 - : Timeline Links in Incident List 6...........................viii Figure 3 - : Collapsed Timeline 6...........................................viii Figure 3 - 6: Lane Status 7....................................................viii Figure 3 - 7: Speed Data 8....................................................viii Figure 3 - 8: Timeline with Speed and Volume Data 8.............viii Figure 3 - 9: Timeline Titlebar Icons 9....................................viii Figure 3 - 10: Traffic Map after Initial Load 10.......................viii Table 3 - : Map Layer Descriptions 10....................................viii Figure 3 - 11: Using the Zoom-Box Tool 12.............................viii Figure 3 - 12: Legend for Traffic Map 12................................viii Figure 3 - 13: Open Layer List 13...........................................viii Figure 3 - 14: Unmapped Incidents List 14.............................viii Figure 3 - 15: Information Popup Window Example for Incidents, Events, and Alerts 16............................................................viii Figure 3 - 16: The Three types of Traffic Detector Popup Windows 17.........................................................................viii Figure 4 - : Address Book Sorting Headers 18........................viii Figure 4 - : Sorting by Location 18.........................................viii Figure 4 - : Sorting by Agency 18..........................................viii Figure 6 - 1: Data Selections 20............................................viii Figure 6 - 2: Graph Options 20..............................................viii Figure 6 - 3: Filters 21..........................................................viii Figure 6 - 4: Filters with Calendar 22.....................................viii Figure 6 - 5: Table of Results 23............................................viii Figure 6 - 6: Save Popup 23..................................................viii Figure 7 - : Performance Measure Divisions 25.......................viii Figure 7 - : Specifying the Performance Time Period 25.........viii Figure 7 - : Calendar 26........................................................viii Figure 7 - : Menu of Performance Measure Options 26...........viii Figure 7 - : Performance Measures Titlebar 26.......................viii
v

Figure 9 - : User Profile Settings 27.........................................ix Figure 9 - : Editing Users 28....................................................ix Figure 9 - : Adding New Users 28............................................ix Figure 9 - : Access Levels 28...................................................ix 1 Introduction & Background Information...............................1
1.1 RITIS & the RITIS Website.............................................................1 Logging In.................................................................................... 2 Resetting Your Password..............................................................2 Incidents List...............................................................................4

2 3

Login Page.........................................................................2
2.1 2.2 3.1

Transportation System Status.............................................3

3.1.1 Sorting the Incidents List ..................................................................5 3.1.2 Accessing the Timeline Display .........................................................5 3.1.2.6 Using the Icons on the Timeline Display..........................................................8

3.2

Traffic Map..................................................................................9
Navigating the Map.........................................................................10 The Legend.....................................................................................12 The Layer List.................................................................................13 The Unmapped Incidents List...........................................................14 Accessing Detailed Information from Icons.......................................15

3.2.1 3.2.2 3.2.3 3.2.4 3.2.5

4 5 6

Address Book...................................................................18
4.1 4.2 Sort by Location.........................................................................18 Sort by Agency Type...................................................................18

Data Feeds.......................................................................19 Data Archive.....................................................................19

6.1 Incident Data Query Tool.............................................................19
Querying (Searching) the Incident Data Archive................................20 Using the Table of Results...............................................................22 Printing & Saving Information..........................................................23 6.1.1 6.1.2 6.1.3

6.2

Traffic Data Query Tool...............................................................24 Generating a Report ..................................................................25 Pre-generated Report.................................................................25 Selecting the data range.............................................................25 Report Controls..........................................................................26

Performance Measures.....................................................25
7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4

8 9

Reading Room..................................................................26 User Settings...................................................................27

9.1 9.2 Change Password.......................................................................27 User Management......................................................................27
Editing Users..................................................................................27 Creating a New User........................................................................28 9.2.1 9.2.2

10.1
vi

Glossary...................................................................................29

List of Figures & Tables

vii

Figure 2 - : Login Form............................................................2 Figure 2 - : RITIS Password Reset.............................................3 Table 3 - : Legend of Shared Transportation System Status Icons......................................................................................3 Figure 3 - : Left portion of Incident List....................................4 Figure 3 - : Right portion of Incident List..................................4 Figure 3 - : Preview of Sorting Columns....................................5 Figure 3 - : Timeline Links in Incident List................................6 Figure 3 - : Collapsed Timeline.................................................6 Figure 3 - 6: Lane Status.........................................................7 Figure 3 - 7: Speed Data..........................................................8 Figure 3 - 8: Timeline with Speed and Volume Data..................8 Figure 3 - 9: Timeline Titlebar Icons.........................................9 Figure 3 - 10: Traffic Map after Initial Load.............................10 Table 3 - : Map Layer Descriptions.........................................10 Figure 3 - 11: Using the Zoom-Box Tool..................................12 Figure 3 - 12: Legend for Traffic Map.....................................12 Figure 3 - 13: Open Layer List................................................13 Figure 3 - 14: Unmapped Incidents List..................................14 Figure 3 - 15: Information Popup Window Example for Incidents, Events, and Alerts.................................................................16 Figure 3 - 16: The Three types of Traffic Detector Popup Windows...............................................................................17 Figure 4 - : Address Book Sorting Headers..............................18 Figure 4 - : Sorting by Location..............................................18 Figure 4 - : Sorting by Agency................................................18 Figure 6 - 1: Data Selections..................................................20 Figure 6 - 2: Graph Options....................................................20 Figure 6 - 3: Filters................................................................21 Figure 6 - 4: Filters with Calendar..........................................22 Figure 6 - 5: Table of Results.................................................23 Figure 6 - 6: Save Popup........................................................23 Figure 7 - : Performance Measure Divisions............................25 Figure 7 - : Specifying the Performance Time Period...............25 Figure 7 - : Calendar..............................................................26 Figure 7 - : Menu of Performance Measure Options.................26 Figure 7 - : Performance Measures Titlebar............................26
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Figure Figure Figure Figure

9 9 9 9

: : : :

User Profile Settings............................................27 Editing Users.......................................................28 Adding New Users................................................28 Access Levels.......................................................28

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RITIS Website Technical Manual

1 Introduction & Background Information

The RITIS Website Technical Manual is the complete written companion to using the applications embedded within the website of the Regional Integrated Transportation Information System. It was originally requested to serve as a detailed instructional/reference guide for new traffic management center operators surrounding the Washington D.C. metropolitan area that will use this systems website. In addition, it will both alleviate some of the current confusion of previous website users and provide the developers of the website with specifications for the new features currently being implemented. Through the use of detailed explanations in combination with step-by-step instructions and diagramed figures, the manual clearly explains the purpose of each section of the website as well as how to properly operate the tools and features embedded amongst the content. This manual is also written for several audiences that may not have a great deal of experience working with the RITIS system or completing common computerrelated tasks. As a result, the instructions in the manual are broken down into sets of very basic steps that can be followed by all potential users accessing the site. It is organized so that the major sections, and many of the subsections, found throughout the document mirror the same organizational divisions of the website itself. In addition, an image of what the actual navigation bar from the website looks like when browsing a particular webpage is included at the top of the corresponding sections in the manual. By incorporating this image below the headers of major sections the manual becomes much easier to reference and understand while actually browsing the site at the same time. Remember: The Click action used throughout this manual refers to the standard leftclick of nearly all two-button computer mice. If the right mouse button needs to be clicked instead of the left mouse button then it will be explicitly stated as Right-Click. The Double-click action is achieved by clicking the left mouse button twice in rapid succession without moving the mouse pointer.

1.1

RITIS & the RITIS Website

The Regionally Integrated Transportation Information System, or RITIS for short, is a $1.9 million dollar ongoing project developed at the Center for Advanced Transportation Technology (CATT) laboratory in College Park, MD. The major idea behind the development of RITIS is that the integration of traffic and transportation management data from the participating organizations currently monitoring this information in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C will improve general transportation efficiency, safety, and security. Currently, the information from these various organizations is stored and maintained locally in formats that are often incompatible with one another, making it especially difficult for traffic management centers in these areas to quickly and effectively coordinate their efforts. With RITIS, however, this scatter data is fused into a single standardized source to provide an enhanced overall view of the regions transportation network that can be used to improve operations and emergency response preparedness, support general transportation management, and provide travelers with accurate regional information. The RITIS website serves as the central interface for accessing the consolidation of live and archived traffic and incident data for travelers, traveler information service providers, and participating 1

agencies that cannot already access RITIS data from their native systems. In addition to providing contact information for all participating agencies, the site incorporates an automatically updated list of all current traffic-related incidents and associated information, an interactive informational map system displaying live RITIS data, a powerful set of tools that can be used to query and analyze previously collected data stored in the archive, and several collections of automatically generated performance reports concerning various aspects of the transportation network. The proper use of these various applications, including their numerous features and options, is the focus of the remainder of this technical manual.

Login Page

The login page is the first screen that will be shown when the website is visited regardless of whether or not the user is linking to a specific page within the site content. Its purpose is to only allow registered users access to the information that is stored. Without the proper username and password access to the website will not be granted.

2.1

Logging In

1) Click on the text box labeled Username (Figure 2 - 1) and type in a registered username. All registered usernames are full email addresses that include the @emailProvider.com ending. 2) Click on the text box labeled Password (Figure 2 - 1) and type in the password corresponding to the username. 3) Click Connect to attempt a login. Note: If the username is not valid or the password does not match words will be displayed and you will have to try again. then the

Figure 2 - : Login Form

2.2

Resetting

Your Password

1) 2) Click on the text box labeled Email Address (Figure 2 - 2) and type in the email address with which you registered to the site with. 3) Click the Submit button (Figure 2 - 2) and a new password will be emailed to you.

Figure 2 - : RITIS Password Reset

Located at the bottom of the screen are links to the participating departments of transportation surrounding the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Included just below that is a link for the Center for Advanced Transportation Technology (CATT) laboratory in College Park, MD and also one to e-mail the RITIS webmaster (Figure 2 - 2).

Transportation System Status

The Transportation System Status section of the RITIS Website (navigation shown above) provides several different interfaces for viewing the real-time, region-wide status of all traveler and traffic-related information. The data contained in this section is a collaboration of live information provided from the major transportation organizations in the Washington Metropolitan Area, including: (DDOT) District Department of Transportation (MDOT) Maryland Department of Transportation (VDOT) Virginia Department of Transportation (WMATA) Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Clicking on the Transportation System Status link will open the Incident Lists page by default, described further in Section 3.1. The Traffic Map, described in Section 3.2, can be accessed by clicking The Traffic Map link just underneath the Transportation System Status link header. Currently, the 3D Traffic Visualization is not online and will not be discussed in this version of the manual.
Table 3 - : Legend of Shared Transportation System Status Icons

Icon

Description Interstate Highway State Highway U.S. Route Sign WMATA Metro Sign Traffic Accident Injury Accident

Unspecified Incident Disabled Vehicle Vehicle on Fire Traffic Collision Traffic Congestion Roadwork Debris on Roadway

Police Activity Special Event (e.g. Sporting Event) Opening Drawbridge Other Icon Description Metro Incident (Colored According to Line Color) Weather-Related Incident Weather Alert Issued (CCTV) Closed Circuit Traffic Camera (VMS) Variable Message Sign Traffic Signal System Traffic Detector with Current Speed Reading > 50 mph Traffic Detector with Current Speed Reading 30 - 50 mph Traffic Detector with Current Speed Reading 0 -30 mph Traffic Detector with Current Data Unavailable Map Re-Center Tool Map Zoom-Box Tool Map Zoom Out Tool Increase Layer Visibility (Less Transparent) Decrease Layer Visibility (More Transparent)

3.1

Incidents List

The Incidents List is a tool that provides information concerning the most recent activities on the roads in the DC-MD-VA area. It is an important tool in receiving up to the minute information about events that have just occurred. The list is constantly updated live in real time as new events are reported to the participating agencies. It displays the state in which each incident occurred, its location, type, and time of occurrence. It also gives a brief description of what is currently occurring and a visual representation of which lanes of the road are blocked (Figure 3 - 2). The background of the incident list alternates between white and gray to make it easier to read the different incidents information (Figure 3 - 1). When a planned event is scheduled, such as future construction or a football game for example, the background of the event is colored yellow to distinguish it from unplanned events.

The Figure 3 - : Left portion of Incident List incident list has a heading that displays information by state, location, type and time. The State column sorts the incident list by the state that the incident takes place in. The Location column shows the exact road and what exit is closest to where the incident took place. The Type column displays the type of incident that occurred. There is a Time column that shows the date and exact time when the incident took place (Figure 3 - 1). Each of these columns can be sorted in ascending or descending order, explained further in section 3.1.1. Lane Status is a useful feature of the incidents list because it shows the actual configuration of road lanes and which lanes are blocked or affected (Figure 3 - 2). The lanes that are unblocked are displayed as black while the lanes that are blocked are colored in red. The Description column will most often have a brief statement about the incident or event that has occurred and will display any additional details that the poster had provided, if any. The Timeline column contains a link to a popup containing additional details about the incident or event in an easy to read and informative format. The Timeline will be explained in section 3.1.2.

Figure 3 - : Right portion of Incident List

3.1.1 Sorting the Incidents List

The Incidents List can be sorted by the various columns of data being displayed for each incident. For example, they can be sorted alphabetically by the type of event and numerically by time of occurrence (Figure 3 - 3). The information that can be sorted is indicated by the headings that are underlined (Figure 3 - 3). Click on a heading to sort by it. There will either be displayed a or a next to the heading that is sorted. These signify whether the list is either in ascending or descending alphabetical or numerical order.

Figure 3 - : Preview of Sorting Columns

3.1.2 Accessing the Timeline Display

The Timeline Display will show in-depth information about the incident that is selected. When the Display link (Figure 3 - 4) is clicked a popup will be displayed showing the additional information.

Located on the far left the timeline column contains a display link that when clicked will bring up another window with further information pertaining to the incident selected.

Figure 3 - : Timeline Links in Incident List

At the top of the popup the incident location is displayed and also what happened. There are several different tabs that can be clicked on to expand. These will bring more information about the incident.

A B C D E

Figure 3 - : Collapsed Timeline

The features on the Time Line display are used by clicking on the icon on the left side of the display box (Figure 3 - 5 A). When this icon is pressed the arrow will point downwards and data for the incident will be shown (Figure 3 - 6). The various panes of information are used to find out what response units made it out to the scene, how many lanes are closed, and how the traffic is progressing through the area of the incident. 3.1.2.1 Using the Responders Tool. This tab displays the response units that have arrived at the scene.

1) Click on the icon that is next to the tab labeled Responders (Figure 3 - 5 A). A window will drop down revealing more information about the response units. 2) Using the mouse hover over the various dots that are located in the window. This will display information about when the response units arrived on the scene.

Note: The table shows when each type of response unit first arrived and the length of time that the response unit was present at the scene of the incident.

3.1.2.2 Using the Lane Status Tool. This tab displays a picture of the road and shows which lanes are open and which ones are closed.

1) Click on the icon that is next to the tab labeled Lane Status (Figure 3 - 5 B). A window will drop down revealing more information about the lanes of the road on which the incident has occurred.

2) By moving the mouse over a specified lane it will display how long the lane has been open or how long it has been closed (Figure 3 - 6).

Figure 3 - 6: Lane Status

3.1.2.3 Using the VMS Messages Tool. Stands for variable message signs; these are the signs that signal to drivers if there is an accident up ahead or to turn to a particular radio station for more information.

1) Click on the icon next to the VMS Messages tab (Figure 3 - 5 C) to view information about VMS messages. 2) This tab will go into detail about any messages that were put on display on the Variable Message Signs (VMS) on major roads in the DC-MD-VA area.

3.1.2.4 Using the Speed Data Tool. This graph shows the traffic flow over the most recent time interval.

1) Click on the icon next to the tab labeled Speed Data (Figure 3 - 5 D). A window will drop down revealing a graph of the traffic flow over a given interval of time. 2) Hover over the graph with the mouse to show a window containing the x and x axis mouse coordinate (Figure 3 -7). The graph shows traffic flow on the y axis and is colored to show the speed that the traffic is moving at.

Figure 3 - 7: Speed Data

Note: In the table showing in Figure 3 - 7 there is an edit button, this button is only available to certain registered users and is responsible for accessing databases of the CATT Lab.

3.1.2.5 is present.

Using the Volume Data Tool. This window shows the volume of traffic that

1) Click on the icon that is next to the tab labeled Volume Data (Figure 3 - 5 E). A window will drop down displaying the data on the volume of traffic that is on the selected road. 2) With the mouse scroll onto the graph to see the amount of traffic that is flowing on the road (Figure 3 - 8). This graph is similar to the Speed Data window and is color coded to represent the amount of traffic also.

Note: In the table shown in Figure 3 - 8 there is an edit button, this button is only available to certain registered users and is responsible for accessing databases of the CATT Lab. 3.1.2.6 Using the Icons on the Timeline Display. The icons on the Time Line display are used by clicking on them; they are located on the top right corner of the display box (Figure 3 - 9 A). By moving the mouse over these icons and clicking it will bring up additional information about the selected incident. A

Figure 3 - 8: Timeline with Speed and Volume Data

Figure 3 - 9: Timeline Titlebar Icons

Click the icon to see more information about the incident if available. When the icon is selected a drop down window will appear as long as the mouse is kept on the icon. Click the icon to bring up a map of the incident. It will show the region that is affected by the incident and what roads will be congested because of the event. Click the icon to print out the timeline display. This will give a printout of the various tabs that have data on the five major windows in the display.

Note: Not all of the tabs in the Timeline Display will have information as not everything is available or reported immediately. But eventually all the data will be available after the incident has been taken care of.

3.2

Traffic Map

The Traffic Map provides users with a visual interactive description of all transportationrelated information concerning the Washington Metropolitan Area. The underlying map provides a birds eye view of the Metropolitan Area that includes details, such as general region labels and road names, which change based on the current level of zoom. Tools that aid in manipulating the map, as well as additional important information, are located in the various corners of the screen and will always remain visible. Overlaid on top of the map itself are icons, images, and colored areas that are used to symbolize the collaboration of live transportation-related information. Visible icons represent traffic detectors, occurring incidents, and events that are placed on the map in direct correspondence with their actual corresponding locations. These icons and their associated data are grouped into various categories known as layers which can be B

individually modified for easier viewing. A description of all accessible layers is provided below in Table 3 - 2.
Figure 3 - 10: Traffic Map after Initial Load

Warning: This tool will not function properly unless popup windows are enabled in your internet browser. See your browser documentation for information on how to enable popup windows. Layer Name Planned Events Incidents and Events MDOT Detectors Description The set of icons on the map that stand for events and incidents that have not yet occurred and are set to begin sometime in the future (e.g. Football games). The set of icons on the map symbolizing all of the currently active and live traffic-related incidents with specified locations (e.g. Car Accidents). The set of various colored caret-shaped icons representing the traffic detectors monitored by the Maryland Department of Transportation. The set of various colored caret-shaped icons representing the traffic detectors monitored by the Virginia Department of Transportation. The set of semi-transparent red county overlays and weather icons that are placed directly on top of any county currently receiving weather alerts. A live radar image of weather conditions for the Washington Metropolitan Area
Table 3 - : Map Layer Descriptions

VDOT Detectors

Weather Alerts Weather Radar

3.2.1 Navigating the Map

In order to provide the various levels of detail and multiple perspectives needed to appropriately view the transportation-related data, the Traffic Map can be moved in any direction and zoomed to an infinite number of levels. The amount of detail present in the underlying map image, as well as the appearance of county, city, and street names, will

change based on how far the map is zoomed in. A scale showing the current level of zoom is located in the bottom right corner of the map (Figure 3 - 10 D). Note: At certain high levels of zoom the weather alerts and weather radar cannot be displayed. Zooming in too far will disable these layers, remove their associated visuals, and display an error notification for a few seconds. 3.2.1.1 Moving Around with the Re-Center Tool. The map image can be moved in any direction when the Re-Center tool is selected (Figure 3 - 10 A). This tool is initially selected by default. To move the map: 1) Click on the Re-Center button in the upper left corner of the screen to select this mode if it is not already set (Figure 3 - 10 A). Then choose to either: Double-click anywhere on the map to automatically re-center the map at that point. OR Click and hold the left mouse button down. Then drag the mouse in the direction the map should be pulled. 3.2.1.2 Zooming with the Mouse Wheel. To adjust the level of zoom based on the center of the screen: 1) Scroll the mouse wheel upward to increase or downward to decrease the current zoom level. 3.2.1.3 map: Zooming In to a Specific Region. To zoom in to a specific region of the

1) Click on the Zoom-Box button to select Zoom-Box mode (Figure 3 - 11 A). The mouse will change to a magnifying glass when hovering over the map in this mode. 2) Move the mouse to a corner of the region you wish to zoom in on. 3) Click and hold the left mouse button down. 4) Drag the mouse to the opposite corner of the region you wish to zoom in on. A semitransparent red box will appear to indicate the approximate region you wish to view upon zooming (Figure 3 - 11 B). 5) Release the mouse button to zoom into this region. The mode is automatically switched back to Re-Center.

Figure 3 - 11: Using the Zoom-Box Tool

3.2.1.4

Zooming Out. To zoom out from the center of the screen:

1) Click on the Zoom-Out button located in the upper-left corner of the map (Figure 3 11 A). The mode is then automatically switched back to Re-Center.

3.2.2 The Legend

The Legend is located in the bottom left corner of the map and is initially in its compressed hidden state. When opened, the legend provides the user with a quick glance at important D map-related information: The type of clickable icons that may appear on the map (Figure 3 - 12 A). All detectors, alerts, and traffic camera icons B are also clickable. A scale indicating the range of colors used A to illustrate levels of precipitation in the weather radar image. The light blue on the left is the lightest level of precipitation while the dark purple on the right is the heaviest (Figure 3 - 12 B). An association between the colors of detector icons and the current average traffic speeds monitored by that detector (Figure 3 - 12 C). C Figure 3 - 12: Legend for Traffic Map

3.2.2.1 Viewing/Hiding the Legend. The legend can remain in its initial closed state to reduce the amount of clutter on the screen or be fully expanded and visible when desired. To do this, either: Click the Show Legend button in the bottom left corner of the map to make the legend visible (Figure 3 - 10 E).

OR Click the Hide Legend button at the top of the legend overlay to make it retract and close (Figure 3 - 12 D).

3.2.3 The Layer List

The Layer List is located in the upper right corner of the screen and is initially loaded in its compact hidden state (Figure 3 - 10 B). When opened, this overlay provides access to the controls that manipulate each of the individual layers described in Table 3 - 2. The ordering of the layers in this list determines the depth of that layer when it is displayed on the map. In other words, if icons from separate layers overlap when they are displayed on the map, the ordering of the layers in the Layer List determines which icon will be displayed on top of the other. Note: The Weather Radar layer at the bottom of the list, when enabled, will always have its content on top of all other layers despite its unchanging position. The white background of this list entry indicates that it cannot be reordered like the other layers when adjusting layer depth. When a layer goes offline due to missing live data its associated icons will be removed from the map and an appropriate message displayed in the Layer List. When it comes back online, the layer will revert to its previous state before going offline. If the Layer List is closed when either a layer goes on or offline, the text of the Show Layer List button will change to indicate what has happened until it is clicked to expand the list. 3.2.3.1 Viewing/Hiding the Layer List. The Layer List can stay in its initial hidden state to increase map visibility or be opened when access to the layer controls are necessary. To do this, either: Click the Show Layer List button in the upper right A corner of the map to make the list visible (Figure 3 - 10 B). OR Click the Hide Layer List button at the bottom of the list overlay to make it retract and close. (Figure 3 - 13 D). C B

3.2.3.2 Enabling/Disabling Layers. Individual layers can either be disabled to remove all D of the associated map content or enabled to have it E displayed. To enable or disable a layer: 1) Click on the checkbox next to the layer name to enable or disable that particular layer (Figure 3 - 13 A).
Figure 3 - 13: Open Layer List

3.2.3.3 Adjusting Layer Transparency. The transparency of all map content associated with a particular layer can be set to one of five different percentage levels (Figure 3 - 13 B). To adjust the transparency of a layer, either:

Click the button to decrease the visibility of the layer content by making it more transparent. OR Click the button to increase the visibility of the layer content by making it less transparent.

3.2.3.4 Adjusting Layer Depth. The ordering of overlapping layer content, known as layer depth, can be set by adjusting the order of the layers in the Layer List. Layers higher in the list (closer to the top) will have their associated content displayed on top of the content for layers lower in the list. To adjust the depth of a layer: 1) Move the mouse over the layer entry you wish to adjust in the list. It will turn yellow (Figure 3 - 13 C). 2) Click and hold the left mouse button down. 3) Drag the layer entry either upwards or downwards to adjust its position in the list. The other layers will automatically adjust their position and depth to give a preview of what the new ordering would look like. 4) Release the mouse button once the layer is in the desired position to set the ordering.

3.2.4 The Unmapped Incidents List

The Unmapped Incidents List contains a list of all of the traffic incidents that could not be placed on the map as icons because they were not geolocated by the reporting traffic management center. Each entry in the list contains the same information that would be found on the Incidents List page of the Transportation System Status section of the website, though in a more compact format. The Unmapped Incidents List (Figure 3 - 13) is located along the right side of the screen directly below the Layer List and Unmapped Incidents button. It is initially loaded in its compact closed state but will fill the remaining vertical portion of the right side of the map when opened via toggling the Unmapped Incidents button (Figure 3 - 13 E). If necessary, a scrollbar will be provided along the right edge of the list to allow one to scroll through content that may not be initially visible in the overlay (Figure 3 - 14 B). To scroll, either click
Figure 3 - 14: Unmapped Incidents List

the up or down arrows at the ends of the scrollbar or click and hold the bar itself while dragging the mouse up or down. If a new incident is added to the Unmapped Incidents List while it is open, then the text (new) will appear in the location column of that entry for fifteen minutes. If, however, this occurs while the list is closed, then the text of the Show Unmapped Incidents button will flash until it is clicked. 3.2.4.1 Viewing/Hiding the Unmapped Incidents List. The Unmapped Incidents List takes up a relatively large portion of the screen and is initially in its hidden state to reduce screen clutter. To toggle the lists visibility:

1) Click the button labeled either Show or Hide Unmapped Incidents on the right side of the screen (Figure 3 14 A) to make the Unmapped Incident List (Figure 3 - 14) appear or disappear below appropriately. 3.2.4.2 Sorting the List. The list of unmapped incidents can be sorted by the location, type, time, and state parameters that are visible as links above the top of the table containing the data. To sort the list: 1) Click the desired link at the very top of the list to sort the data in ascending order by that category. 2) If desired, click the link to toggle between ascending and decreasing order for the sort.

3.2.5 Accessing Detailed Information from Icons

All icons visible on the map, except those indicating road names or metro rails, are geolocated symbols that give some indication of what current information is being gathered concerning that area. In addition, all icons referred to above can be clicked in order to open an in-map semi-transparent popup window explaining the details associated with that icon (e.g. exact traffic detector measurements). Sections 3.2.5.3 3.2.5.5 explain the different types of informational popup windows that can be accessed from traffic map icons. When an icon is first placed on the map for an incident within the last fifteen minutes, it will blink to indicate its new status. Unless otherwise noted, popup windows display live information and are updated on frequent intervals alongside the icons on the map. Note: The popup windows referred to throughout section 3.2.5, unless explicitly stated, are really just formatted tables of information opened within the map application itself and are not actual browser popup windows. 3.2.5.1 Opening/Closing Information Popups. All clickable icons on the map have additional hidden data that can be made opened or closed at any time, and will remain opened regardless of layer status. To do this, either: Click the desired icon to open a semi-transparent popup window containing additional related information. OR Click the in the upper right corner of an open information popup window to close it (Figure 3 - 15 A).

Warning: Changing the zoom level of the map in either direction will automatically close all open information popup windows. Take care not to accidentally scroll the mouse wheel and cause popups to be temporarily lost.

3.2.5.2 Moving Information Popups. All popup windows are initially opened with a corner touching the icon that triggered it (Figure 3 - 15 C), though they can be moved to anywhere on the map. To move an open popup window, either: 1) Move the mouse to an empty portion of the title bar of the popup to be moved (Figure 3 - 15 B), not the . 2) Click and hold the left mouse button down. 3) Drag the mouse, and now also the popup window, to the desired location on the map. 4) Release the mouse button to place the popup. OR 1) Click the icon associated with an open popup to instantly move the window back to its original position. B 3.2.5.3 Incidents, Events, and Alerts. The popup windows associated with icons of incidents, events, and alerts (Figure 3 - 15) contain a formatted table of information describing the typical details of what is occurring. The type of the icon is displayed in the title bar of the popup window while the body contains information such as the location, time of occurrence, a description, a graphical representation of lane status if necessary (described in Section 3.1), and possibly a link to the associated timeline that will open in an actual browser popup window. If necessary, a scrollbar may be provided inside the popup window to scroll through the data just as in Section 3.2.4.

Figure 3 - 15: Information Popup Window Example for Incidents, Events, and Alerts

3.2.5.4 CCTV Traffic Cameras. The popup windows for the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) traffic cameras are fairly straightforward, containing only a textual version of the cameras location in addition to its live video feed. Once the popup window is opened, the feed should automatically connect and begin streaming back the live video being captured from that particular CCTV camera. Located along the bottom of the currently playing video are basic playback controls similar to most digital media players, VCRs, and DVD players. Clicking the pause button will freeze the video being streamed at the last frame displayed. The play button will resume live feed playback from a paused state. 3.2.5.5 Traffic Detectors. The popups for traffic detectors will always contain the textual location of the detector as a bold header at the top of the window. Located just below the location is the direction of the roadway that this particular detector is monitoring. The remaining displayed content of the popup, as well as the color of the detector icon

itself, will vary based on the status of the detector examined. The detector popups are automatically resized based on the latest available data and thus should never require a scrollbar in order to view the entirety of its content. The different types of detectors and popups are described below:
Figure 3 - 16: The Three types of Traffic Detector Popup Windows

A: Normal Colored Detector

C: Grey Detector with Valid Data Older than 15 min Colored

D: Normal Colored Detector

Colored Detectors: All non-grey colored detector icons have received valid data within the last fifteen minutes and will display a summary of the last updated time, average speed, and average volume of the traffic passing this point (Figure 3 - 16 A). A small graph depicting this detectors measured speed and volume of traffic over the past twelve hours will appear in the popup window below the summary (Figure 3 - 16 B). This smaller graph can be clicked to open an expanded version in a new opaque popup window for easier viewing. The color of the detector is determined by the current average speed reading as indicated on the map legend (described in Section 3.2.2) and stated below: : Current average speed reading > 50 mph : Current average speed reading 30 50 mph : Current average speed reading 0 30 mph Grey Detectors: A detector will turn grey once it has not received valid data for fifteen minutes. When this occurs, the summary of live speed and volume measurements in the popup window is replaced by a red message indicating the time that valid data was last received (Figure 3 - 16 C). However, the small graph depicting collected traffic data over the last twelve hours will remain visible and functional in these popup windows just as described above for colored detectors. Only when the grey detector has not received valid data over the past twelve hours will the graph also be removed from the popup (Figure 3 - 16 D). : Current average speed data unavailable

Address Book

The address book is designed to be a reference guide for the major response units in the DC-MD-VA area. The list includes police officers, fire fighters and utility/maintenance personnel. This comprehensive list is used to report problems that occur on the road that needs specialized response units to handle the incidents. The list can be sorted by location or agency type (Figure 4 - 1).
Figure 4 - : Address Book Sorting Headers

Note: The Add Contacts tab is only for users that have access to the databases and are used to add new response units to the list. There will also be a searchable form added soon which would filter through the information by typing in a key word or name in a search box.

4.1

Sort by Location

Click on the sort by location tab to generate a list of various response units that are sorted by the state in which they are located. Under each state the response units are listed alphabetically by the counties which they service. The list provides the user with the phone numbers for the various offices and whether or not the offices are open 24 hours a day (Figure 4 - 2).

4.2 Sort by Agency Type

Figure 4 - : Sorting by Location

Click on the sort by agency type tab to generate a list of the response units that are separated by their specialization. Listed under each type of response unit is a telephone number, the state in which they are located in, and whether or not the offices are open 24 hours a day (Figure 4 - 3).

Figure 4 - : Sorting by Agency

Data Feeds

Important: The Data Feeds section of the website is currently under construction and thus cannot be explained in this version of the manual. When completed, this section of the website will offer a basic description of the available data feeds that the RITIS project is receiving, including the various traffic data and incident data feeds from different traffic management centers as well as the weather advisories with Doppler radar from the National Weather Service. It will include information about how the data feeds are formatted, if they are available for use, and also how to subscribe them. An interactive form allowing users to actually subscribe to the data feeds from this page of the site may also be included.

Data Archive

The Data Archive section of the RITIS Website provides the regions transportation operation and research community with a powerful set of tools for both querying the archive of information gathered from the various areas and performing secondary analysis on the returned results. The archived transportation-related data collaborated from different agencies around the Washington Metropolitan area will serve as a rich source for both traditional and innovative regional transportation analyses. In addition, the information stored in the archives is a valuable record of decisions made and actions taken in response to incidents and other scenarios that have occurred throughout this region. Clicking on the Data Archive link will open the Incident Data Query Tool page by default, which is described further in Section 6.1. The Traffic Data Query Tool, described in Section 6.2, can be accessed by clicking The Traffic Data Query Tool link just underneath the Data Archive link header. As of this time, the Large Dataset Download subsection of the Data Archive Is under construction and will not be discussed in this version of the manual. Warning: Both of the query tools mentioned in Section 6 of the manual are Adobe Flash Applications that require the free installation of Adobe Flash Player 9 or higher to properly function. The latest version of the Flash Player client software can be found at: http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/

6.1

Incident Data Query Tool

The Incident Data Query Tool is a part of the interface system that allows traffic engineers and researchers to easily browse through and visualize all of the incident-related information that has been consolidated in the RITIS data archives. Through the various options available, analysts can quickly retrieve sets of data based on the different specified levels of spatial and temporal aggregation. In other words, information can easily be accessed in groups that are based on the time and/or location in which the incidents had occurred. Warning: This tool will not function properly unless popup windows are enabled in your internet browser. See your browser documentation for information on how to enable popup windows.

6.1.1 Querying (Searching) the Incident Data Archive

The query form of the tool allows the user to send a request to the database for specific information to be returned (i.e. to search through the database). Through its different panels, a user can select the format and options of the data being returned. The number of results can be narrowed by specifying the source database of the information and selecting a specific time and place of occurrence. To query the archive click on the Query tab at the top of the tool, then: 6.1.1.1 Set the Data Selections. Specify the source of the data queried and the format of the results: 1) Click on the name of the database which most likely contains the desired information in the Databases panel of the query tool (Figure 6 - 1 A). The database that is currently selected will be indicated with a light blue rectangular background to the text. The databases are: a. b. c. (CHART) Maryland Coordinated Highways Action Response Team (VDOT) Virginia Department of Transportation (DDOT) District Department of Transportation (Washington D.C.)

2) Click anywhere on the Display Results As drop-down menu to expand the list of possible formats the data can be returned as (Figure 6 - 1 B). 3) Click on the data format you want to select for the results. A

Important: The information can be returned as a table, viewed as 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional graphs, or downloaded in either Excel or CSV format. If the format is selected to be a 2-D or 3-D Graph then the Graph Options panel will appear and readers should skip ahead to step B 6. Otherwise, if a non-graph format is selected, readers should complete steps 4 and 5, then skip ahead to step 12 without completing any of section 6.1.1.2. 4) Click on the Data drop-down menu (Figure 6 - 1 C). 5) Click on the appropriate name to select whether data should include all traffic-related C events (such as baseball games) or only traffic Figure 6 - 1: Data Selections incidents. 6.1.1.2 Set the Graph Options. If a graph will be returned, specify the type and units of data for the axes of the graph: 6) Click on the X-Axis drop-down menu to expand it (Figure 6 - 2 A). 7) Click on the desired measurement from the list to be plotted on this axis of the returned graph.

A B C

Figure 6 - 2: Graph Options

8) If a new drop-down menu appears underneath your axis selection, click on it to view the list of possible unit types. 9) Click on the desired unit of measurement for the axis (Figure 6 - 2 B). 10) Repeat steps 6 - 8 for the y-axis drop-down menu (Figure 6 - 2 C). 11) If a 3D-Graph is to be returned, repeat steps 6 - 8 for the z-axis drop-down menu. 6.1.1.3 Set the Filters. To narrow the number of returned results by their location and time of occurrence: 12) Click on the Corridor drop-down menu button to expand its options (Figure 6 - 3 A). A scrollbar is provided to allow one to scroll through all possible options (Figure 6 - 3 B). If necessary, see Section 3.2.4 for more information on using scrollbars. 13) Click to select the desired road that all returned incidents will have occurred on. 14) If the desired road is not present in the menu, select Other at the bottom, and type the name of the road used to narrow results in the Corridor text field (Figure 6 - 3 C). 15) Click anywhere inside the From field (Figure 6 - 4 A) to make the calendar appear just to the right. 16) Use the calendar to select the earliest date for possible returned incidents (Figure 6 - 4 B). C B

Figure 6 - 3: Filters

a. Click the left and right arrows in the title bar to adjust the month. Left moves toward January, Right toward December. b. Click the small black up and down arrows in the title bar to adjust the year. c. Click on the number of the day you wish to select. 17) Click anywhere inside the To field located just below the From field. 18) Use the calendar, as in step 16 above, to select the latest date for possible returned incidents. 19) Click the checkboxes on or off to select whether or not holidays and/or test events should be excluded from the results (Figure 6 - 4 C). The on setting will exclude/omit the specified data. 20) Click the Submit button to query the database with all of the options just set. Note: If any inconsistent or having the From than the To date, message will the problem. If this ok button, make changes to resolve resubmit the parameters are invalid, such as date set later an error popup indicating occurs, click the the necessary the problem, and query.

Figure 6 - 4: Filters with Calendar

6.1.2 Using the Table of Results

The results of a query to the database are usually returned in a tabular format so that they can be sorted in various ways and the individual incident data further examined. To view the table of results returned from a query, click the Table tab located just to the right of the Query tab at the very top of the tool. Note: The tool automatically switches to the Table tab when the submit button is first clicked for a query. 6.1.2.1 Sorting Incidents. The returned list of incidents can be sorted by the source, event type, location, time opened, time closed, and duration parameters that are specified as headers in the table. To sort: 1) Move the mouse over the header at the top of the column of the category you wish to sort the data by. The background of the category header will change to blue as the mouse hovers over it. 2) Click the header to sort the data in ascending order by that category. (Figure 6 - 5 A). 3) If desired, click the header to toggle between ascending and decreasing order for the sort. 6.1.2.2 Examining Individual Incident Data. Each incident may or may not have an associated event log, response table, and/or a timeline that can be accessed through this table. To further examine an incident: 1) Click on the particular incident in the table that you wish to examine. It will turn blue to indicate that it is selected. 2) Click on the desired button at the bottom of the table to view that particular incidents event log, response table, or timeline (Figure 6 - 5 B). a. A popup window will open with the desired information b. Both the event log and response table can be sorted, saved, and printed in the same manner as the general table of results just discussed. c. The popup can be closed by clicking the X in the top right corner of the popup window. Note: Clicking a button at the bottom of the results table without first selecting an incident, or when selecting an incident with missing information, will result in an error message appearing on screen. If this occurs, click the ok button to return to the table.

Figure 6 - 5: Table of Results

6.1.3 Printing & Saving Information

B In the results table, event log, response table, and other sections of the Incident Data Query Tool, the current information being displayed can be downloaded and saved into a file of two different formats or transformed into a printer-friendly version for printing. 6.1.3.1 Printing Information. Information that can be transformed into a printerfriendly version for printing will have a printer icon visible at the top (Figure 6 - 5 D). To print available information: 1) Click on the printer icon located at the top (Figure 6 - 5 D). A popup window will open with the data displayed in a printer-friendly format. 2) Right-Click anywhere inside the newly opened popup window. 3) Click on the Print option. 4) A computer-specific printing prompt will appear. Generally, select Ok or Print to begin printing. 6.1.3.2 Saving Information. Data that can be saved into a file will have a disk icon (Figure 6 - 5 C). To save: 1) Click on the disc icon located just above the table of data being saved (Figure 6 - 5 C). A popup with save options will appear on the screen (Figure 6 - 6). 3) Click on the Select File Type drop-down menu to view the list of possible save formats (Figure 6 - 6 A). A 4) Click on the desired format of the saved file to select it. B 5) Click the Ok button (Figure 6 - 6 C). 6) A browser-specific download prompt will appear. Note: Click the cancel button or the X in the top right corner of the save popup window (Figure 6 - 6 B) to cancel the saving process and close the popup window at any time. C
Figure 6 - 6: Save Popup

6.2

Traffic Data Query Tool

Important: The Traffic Data Query Tool was not functioning properly at the time of writing this version of the manual. Its usage will be explained in the final version of the RITIS Technical Manual.

Performance Measures

The Performance Measures is an important tool that is used to generate reports on past traffic data. It features an interactive module that allows for easy access various types of data and is simple to navigate. It can generate reports based upon a date interval and it uses this to compare traffic history. This tool accesses a large database that stores information on traffic up to five years ago. This tool is helpful in comparing past traffic data to the present data.

7.1

Generating a Report

1) Click a tab on the module to select the region desired (Figure 7 - 1). This will then display two drop down menus which will sort the data that would like to have a report on.

7.2

Figure 7 - : Performance Measure Divisions

Pre-generated Report
1) Select a year by clicking on the number of a year (Figure 7 - 2 A) on the pre-generated report window to access data from that specific year that you selected. 2) Press Submit (Figure 7 - 2 B) to generate a report on that year. C B A

Figure 7 - : Specifying the Performance Time Period

7.3

Selecting the data range

1) Click on the icon next to the From text box (Figure 7 - 2 C) and a calendar will be displayed (Figure 7 - 3). 2) Select a date by using the left and right arrows (Figure 7 - 3 A) to navigate between the months and the up and down arrows (Figure 7 - 3 B) to navigate through the years. With the mouse click on the date desired and this will be the starting date of the report. 3) Repeat this process in the text box labeled To so that an end date will be selected.

4) Press Submit (Figure 7 - 2 B) to generate a report that shows traffic data based on your starting and ending date.

Figure 7 - : Calendar

7.4

Report Controls

Click the Show Date Controls (Figure 7 - 4 A) to redirect you back to the selection of either the pre-generated report or date range report window. See section 7.3 of this manual. Clicking on the down arrow (Figure 7 - 4 B) will provide a list of the various graphs that are generated in the traffic report. Click on a report name to view it. All reports are for the data range that was selected earlier. The graphs can also be switched by clicking the left and right arrows (Figure 7 - 4 C) to display the previous or next graph in the report. At the top right of the window there is a icon (Figure 7 - 4 D) that can be selected to save the report for future use. There is a icon (Figure 7 - 4 E) at the top right corner of the window that is used to print out the report that was generated. A B D E

Figure 7 - : Menu of Performance Measure Options

Figure 7 - : Performance Measures Titlebar

Note: At the moment not all of the regions are up and running and the data from earlier years is presently being uploaded to the databases and is not immediately accessible.

Reading Room

Important: The Reading Room section of the website is currently under construction and thus will not be explained in this version of the manual. When completed, this section will contain a formatted list of links to important documentation concerning various parts of the site. An example of a document that may be included in the list is the Concept of Operations for RITIS, explaining the general ideas behind and goal of the RITIS Project. The manual you are reading right now will also be

posted here. Though the list will most likely not be very long, it will include options to sort the document entries.

User Settings

The user settings feature on this website is designed for those who wish to change their password. It is also for administrators that have full access to the databases to edit or delete registered users of the website. The user settings will be further developed so that settings for the incident map will also be saved.

9.1

Change Password

1) 2) 3) 4)

Click on the Change Password tab to begin. Type in your current password in the text box (Figure 9 - 1 A). Type in your new password twice in the appropriate text boxes (Figure 9 - 1 B). Click Submit and your password will be changed (Figure 9 - 1 C).

A B C
Figure 9 - : User Profile Settings

9.2

User Management

User management is a tool that is used by the administrators to verify those who are registered with the website and to correct errors in users profiles. This tool can only be accessed by administrators and not by regular users.

9.2.1 Editing Users

1) Administrators can select a specific users account and edit their details or delete their registration from the website (Figure 9 - 2).

Figure 9 - : Editing Users

9.2.2 Creating a New User

2) Administrations can also create a new user by entering in a username, full name, access level, and password (Figure 9 - 3). Regular users do not have access to create new accounts.

Figure 9 - : Adding New Users

Registered users have 3 different access levels; guest, privileged, and admin (Figure 9 4). This is done to make sure that regular users cannot change settings on the databases and that guests do not have access to the privileged information.

Figure 9 - : Access Levels

10
10.1 Glossary

Appendix

Address Book Reference guide for major response units CATT Center for Advanced Transportation Technology Data Archive Archive of traffic-related information Data Feeds Basic feeds of traffic and incident data Incident Data Query Tool Search engine for incident-related information Incidents List Provides most recent incidents in Metro area Performance Measures Generates reports based on traffic history Reading Room Place for links and references on traffic data RITIS Regional Integrated Transportation Information System Traffic Data Query Tool Search engine for traffic-related information Traffic Map Visual interactive description of traffic-related information Transportation System Status Interface for real-time traffic-related information User Settings Helps the user feel more comfortable with website