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Intelligent Transportation Systems New Zealand |
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Industry |
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ITS Defined ITS is defined by the International Standards Organisation technical committee as: “The application of information technology, communications technology, and sensor technology, including the Internet, to the general challenges and opportunities of surface transportation” Throughout the world Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) assist in meeting the increasing demand for transportation by applying technological advancements to the transportation systems, and improving the quality, safety, and effective capacity of existing infrastructure. ITS in New Zealand As New Zealand grows it is becoming increasingly difficult to build new transport infrastructure to meet demand in our major urban centres. ITS can help meet this increasing demand by maximising the use of existing infrastructure while minimising cost and reducing adverse impacts. ITS New Zealand is an incorporated, not for profit organisation made up of representatives from more than 40 organisations and companies involved in ITS in New Zealand. The organisations represent a broad spectrum of the transport and technology industries including central and local government, consumer organisations, academia, infrastructure providers, hardware suppliers, service providers, vehicle manufacturers, and transport companies. Aims and Objectives The aim of ITS New Zealand is to facilitate and promote the adoption of common systems and standards, and to promote the New Zealand ITS technology industry. ITS New Zealand aims to provide leadership in the development of an integrated, safe, responsive, and sustainable land transport system through the use of advanced technologies. As well as providing a range of networking opportunities and fostering information exchange, ITS New Zealand also aims to provide a forum for companies, organisations and individuals to participate in setting the agenda for the deployment of ITS in New Zealand. It is generally recognised from overseas experience that the full benefits of ITS will come, not from isolated projects, but from having a framework that supports and encourages the integrated deployment of ITS. A key focus for ITS New Zealand is to promote and facilitate the development of ITS projects and initiatives in an effective and cost efficient way; ideally these facilities being implemented as part of a coordinated strategy, with appropriate consideration of national consistency, future integration opportunities and technological advances. To achieve this ITS New Zealand seeks to promote the development of a National ITS Strategy, setting out the objectives for all sectors of the industry. This would include a fully supported National ITS Architecture and Standards framework to be used in all government funded ITS projects, as well as appropriate operations systems and protocols. International Links Globally, ITS organisations play a key role in overcoming ‘Government / Industry’ representation issues through the establishment of industry committees, which focus on the key challenges facing ITS producers and consumers. ITS New Zealand aims to provide a similar opportunity for New Zealand. ITS New Zealand has already forged strong international links with similar overseas organisations including ITS America, ERTICO (Europe), ITS Japan and ITS Asia-Pacific; and is currently represented on the board of ITS Asia Pacific. |
