Interchange is a trans-European pilot project which brings together advanced transport telematics service providers, industry and transport informatics experts from seven countries. It is funded under the European Commission's DRIVE II research programme. INTERCHANGE is establishing a European Traveller Information Network for real-time exchange of Advanced Transport Telematics (ATT) data between national traffic/travel information centres. Following initial trials, other ATT information services may be added as the ET-NET INTERCHANGE network standard is developed and finalised. This paper describes the progress made to date in achieving the European network, and outlines the project's impact in the field of standardisation of data exchange procedures. The current system architecture and design stage of INTERCHANGE is analysing data distribution requirements and producing a design for the INTERCHANGE international traffic and travel data exchange structure and operational/management procedures. Activities within INTERCHANGE have focussed on establishing harmonious working relations between the participating information centre operators. An international liaison group, whose participants represent those countries not already directly involved in the project, has been established, whose purpose it is to review and provide feedback on the work of the project. The INTERCHANGE project is also addressing the key issues of consistent application of a data exchange standard throughout Europe. INTERCHANGE's liaison mechanisms and common specifications are aimed directly at preparation for Europe-wide standardisation. In particular, it has developed a harmonised data dictionary and is pursuing the definition of bearer independent formats (BIF) for exchanging many types of traveller-related information. (A)
Samenvatting