The GCARS System - a Computer-Assisted Method of Regional Route Location : Technical Paper

Abstract

The Generalized Computer-Ai ded Route Selection (GCARS) System is designed to fulfill the need for improved regional planning methods. Computer-aided planning systems, such as GCARS, combine the engineer's judgment with the computer's data handling and logical capabilities. This makes possible the rapid generation and objective assessment of larger numbers of alternative corridors in terms of many conflicting location factors. The GCARS System builds and stores within the computer specific cost models, termed surfaces. Several value surfaces may be combined in various proportions to form a utility surface. Repeated minimum path analysis of these surfaces generates a series of ranked alternatives between any desired termini i, in response to selected factors alone or in combination. The effects of changes in the importance of any factor or in the locations of terminii can be quickly determined. The sensitivity of each situation is measured by comparing the subsequent choices to the first. The operation of the GCARS System is demonstrated by examples from an Indiana study. Two by-pass locations near a town of 60,000 population are examined in terms of earthwork, pavement construction, and right-of-way acquisition costs, trip distributions, and the present road network. Experiments have shown that these techniques become increasingly attractive as the number of factors to be considered increases, and when the engineer has interactive control of the process through a teletype or similar device.

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