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Chapter 20
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-8473-7.ch020
A Real Time Topological
Map Matching Methodology
for GPS/GIS-Based Travel
Behavior Studies
ABSTRACT
The map matching problem arises when GPS measurements are incorrectly assigned to the roadway
network in a GIS environment. This chapter presents a real-time topological decision rule-based meth-
odology that detects and solves spatial mismatches as GPS measurements are collected. A real-time map
matching methodology is required in several applications, such as feet management, transit control and
management, and travel behavior studies, in which decision-making must be performed simultaneously
with the movement of vehicles, individuals, or objects. A computational implementation in a real case
scenario in Chile indicates that the algorithm successfully resolves over 96% of the spatial mismatches
encountered in real time. Various algorithmic parameter values were employed to test the performance
of the algorithm for data collected every 5 and 10 seconds. Overall, the algorithm requires larger bufer
sizes and speed ranges to obtain better results with lower spatial data qualities.
INTRODUCTION
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are
characterized by technological solutions that in-
tegrate information processing, communications,
control, and electronic devices with transportation
management systems and decision support tools
(Sophabmixay et al., 2006). ITS aids in achieving
goals such as optimizing existing transportation
modes, facilitating public service utilization, and
improving user quality and service. Rather than
physically increasing capacities of transporta-
tion infrastructure, ITS intends to use existing
capacity more effectively by collecting and pro-
Carola A. Blazquez
Universidad Andres Bello, Chile
Pablo A. Miranda
Pontifcia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso, Chile