General Modeling Network Specification: documentation, software, and data

The General Modeling Network Specification (GMNS) defines a common human and machine readable format for sharing routable road network files. It is designed to be used in multi-modal static and dynamic transportation planning and operations models. It will facilitate the sharing of tools and data sources by modelers. GMNS has two origins. First, at the end of the SHRP2 C10 Integrated Travel Model projects, it became clear that network management was a significant issue for the development of large integrated travel models. The FHWA / Volpe team decided to use the remaining SHRP2 C10 funds to further pursue the development of a network specification. Meanwhile, in 2017, several transportation modelers from the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), consulting, and academic world came together to establish the Zephyr Transport Foundation, whose mission is to “advance rigorous transportation and land use decision-making for the public good by advocating for and supporting improved travel analysis and facilitating its implementation.” One of the Zephyr initiatives for 2018-2019 is the development of a Network Data Standard and Management Tools. This effort is overseen by a project management group (PMG) that includes modelers from city governments and MPOs, USDOT, private sector software developers, and academics.