AN OVERVIEW OF ITS STANDARDS AND PROTOCOLS

The proliferation of intelligent transportation systems (ITSs) has created a need for standards and protocols for systems interoperability, compatibility, and interchangeability. The current lack of standards is already impeding the deployment of ITS in North America. The high degree of integration that is necessary to make ITS a reality will only be possible through the development of standards. The authors of this article attempt to broaden awareness of the requirements for ITS standards and to encourage Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) members to participate in the standards development process. The United States Department of Transportation is sponsoring the ITS National Architecture Project, which will identify areas of need to promote future ITS deployment. Objectives and criteria for standards are given in table format and those organizations involved in the process of standards development are listed. The article concludes with action items for ITE members interested in participating in the standards development process.