Web 3.0: The Semantic Web and Intelligent Transportation Systems
Web 1.0 generally
instituted a one-way communications framework through the use of static
web sites and web services, essentially providing a read-only interface
between the web and the end-user. Web 2.0 introduced collaborative,
two-way communications technologies and a suite of innovative
communications tools built on top of collaborative philosophies. The
next generation of the internet is a subject of great debate, yet many
agree that we will see a transformation from a “web of pages” to a web
of data, primarily through the use of “semantic web” technologies.
The semantic web, (or
Web 3.0) will enable automated data and information exchange between
machines (computers) and systems (software applications) through the use
of use of ontologies, new data formatting and new meta data structures.
By applying “semantics”, or meaning to linked data sets with new
descriptive meta data (or tagging), computers can begin to add meaning
to data as it relates to real-world objects, subsequently automating
human functions such as data search, data aggregation and data
analytics, thus implementing automated two-way, peer-to-peer
collaborative communications.
Web 3.0 technologies
will enable ITS applications to automate data and information exchange
and limit the need for human interaction. Context-aware and
location-based services data linked to individual travelers will
automatically interface with regional operating systems and regional
traveler information systems, thus eliminating the need for human
support on both the operator and end-users part. Real-time
transportation data including vehicle, pedestrian and transit data will
be automatically fused and processed with algorithms to establish new,
next-gen regional operations platforms. Semantic technologies will also
provide an essential component for support of the connected vehicle
platform. Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I)
will utilize semantic technologies for automated, real-time data
exchange. Mobility is becoming more and more reliant on the ability to
apply effective social engineering and behavior management strategies,
rather than the application of traditional physical technologies.
Semantic technologies will provide a key tool for the integration of
social (personal) data with centralized applications and overarching
transportation systems.
Semantic web
technologies are still very much in their infancies; however the
transformation is well underway. Early signs show that the semantic web
will take time to implement, most likely in stages as the web
transitions vast existing data sets to include semantic data formats.
The transportation industry, and more specifically the ITS industry is
primed for becoming early adopters of web 3.0 technologies. Research
and demonstration projects are already underway within the
transportation industry. It’s just a question of when will the “tipping
point” be realized.
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