Better fuel efficiency through GIS

"The University of California, Riverside, along with partners from several public and private organizations, have received a $1.2 million grant from the Department of Energy to research ways to increase fuel efficiency standards. As a project partner, Esri will provide its ArcGIS GIS software for mapping, navigation, routing, and vehicle tracking".


The research is being used to track the driving habits of people. They are trying to track how people drive so they can improve the way cars operate in relation to the way people use them. "The three-year project, named the Next-Generation Environmentally Friendly Driving Feedback Systems Research and Development, began October 1, 2011. It will establish comprehensive driver feedback technology that improves fuel efficiency of passenger cars and fleet vehicles."


Not only is the information being used help improve the design of cars but also improve navigation of people now. "The study will make large advances in developing a fully integrated information system that includes better trip planning and routing, improved efficiency while driving, and comprehensive reporting on a periodic basis." "ArcGIS is also being used by dispatchers for comparison of the planned routes with actual routes, mapping of ecofriendly vehicle paths, and mobile integration to update drivers with new itineraries."


All of the information that they are collecting is going to be provided to car manufactures so they will have a better outline of driver habits during car design. "The projects will help ensure that the technologies are available to help automakers achieve new fuel efficiency standards."


They are expecting gain's of 10 to 30% in fuel economy from the information collected, if used properly. "By integrating driver feedback technology, it is expected that overall fuel savings will range from 10 to 30 percent." 






http://www.esri.com/news/arcnews/winter1112articles/esri-partnership-to-improve_us-fuel-efficiency-standards.html