GeoRoute: an interactive graphics system for routeing and scheduling over street networks

The system components, computer configuration, and databases of a multi-purpose graphical tool for applications requiring a network representation of streets in urban and rural areas are described. The underlying data structure is adapted to routeing and scheduling problems for various types of delivery and public works vehicles requiring information about street-to-street connectivity, one-way streets, street types, and illegal turns at intersections. GeoRoute includes the functions required to keep the geographical database up-to-date, locate items on the street network, automatically and/or interactively generate optimized vehicle routes, and produce color maps using standard plotting devices. The street database is stored using an original street segment coding scheme; links are exploded when required for maps or displays. This structure allows large urban networks to be treated globally on standard personal computers running MS-DOS. GeoRoute is being used in a variety of situations, including trip planning for transit customers (based on both planned and real-time schedules), route optimization for armored cars, milk pick-up in rural areas, and public works planning.<>