This paper first outlines the layout of the different in-car components which make up an automatic navigation system. A short overview is then provided of the SOCRATES (System of Cellular Radio for Traffic Efficiency and Safety) project. The method used for testing the SOCRATES system for route guidance in a test site in Gothenburg is then presented and discussed. In this test, the communications wereby an analogue cellular radio system with a fixed set of frequencies and 4 base stations, because GSM was unavailable. Two automatic navigation systems were tested: Tavelpilot and CARIN. The following traffic messages generated by the Socrates Information Centre (SIC) were sent to drivers: a) warnings about congestion, accidents or other hazards, and b) details about predicted traffic. Although the results of the test are not given in this paper, it is said to be a success, producing reduced travel times and decreased driver stress.
Samenvatting