1

Master Thesis in Geoinformatics

Ambulance management system using GIS






By




Imtiyaz Pasha




Supervisor & Examiner: ProF. Dr. ke Sivertun

Department of Computer and Information Science
Linkping University
SE-581 83 Linkping, Sweden




LINKPING 2006
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Abstract

For emergency service providers, giving their service in least time shows their best performance.
Emergency hospitals will be at their best if the ambulance reaches the site in Golden hour where
life of injured persons can be saved. Ambulance uses the road network to reach the accident site.
Today there are many GIS based systems being developed for routing of ambulance using GPS
and other real-time technologies. These systems are useful and play a major role in solving the
routing problem. But now roads are so congested that it difficult for the Ambulance drivers to
travel and reach the accident.


In this thesis present study area is studied and problems faced by emergency service providers on
road network are identified. In this thesis GIS/GPS/GSM based prototype system has been
developed for routing of ambulance on road network of Hyderabad city (AMS). This prototype is
designed such that it finds the accident location on the road network and locates the nearest
ambulance to incident site using the real-time technologies (GPS/GSM). AMS creates the fastest
route from nearest ambulance to accident site, and from there to nearest hospital. Congestion on
roads during peak hours is considered, and the fastest route on both major and minor roads is
created.

In this thesis AMS user interface has been developed using VBA, ArcGIS (network analyst). This
Ambulance management system has been developed using software engineering model rapid
prototyping model and has been evaluated by GIS users.



Keywords: GIS, GPS, GSM, Ambulance management system (AMS), Network analyst













3


Acknowledgements




First of all I would like to thank my supervisor Dr. Sivertun, Department of computer science
(IDA), for all his help with this thesis. I have learnt a lot from Dr. Sivertun, how to work hard and
getting right results. Dr. Sivertun always has time for my questions and his comments on my
thesis have been valuable. I am also thankful to my course coordinator Jalal Maleki. I would also
like to thank my colleagues for providing me good suggestions. I am thankful to Andhra Pradesh
authorities for providing Hyderabad data.

I am thankful to Dhanunjaya Reddy for providing the Hyderabad city digital data, which I have
used in my thesis. I wish to thank my friends for supporting me in many ways. Last but not least,
I am deeply grateful to my family and my uncles M.A Quyyum and M.A Huyyum who supported
me in many ways.

Linkoping, May 2006

Imtiyaz Pasha























4

Table of Contents
Introduction....................................................................................................................................8
1.1 Motivation.......................................................................................................................................................... 8
1.2 Problem Statement ............................................................................................................................................ 8
1. 3 Purpose/Goal..................................................................................................................................................... 9
1.4 Limitations ......................................................................................................................................................... 9
1.5 Thesis Outline .................................................................................................................................................. 10
Theoretical Frame ........................................................................................................................11
2.1 Study Area ....................................................................................................................................................... 11
2.1.1 Population.................................................................................................................................................. 11
2.1.2 Cause for huge traffic flow........................................................................................................................ 12
2.1.3 Historical fact ............................................................................................................................................ 12
2.1.4 Increase in Vehicles................................................................................................................................... 14
2.1.5 Number of accidents in Andhra pradesh.................................................................................................... 16
2.2 GIS.................................................................................................................................................................... 16
2.2.1 GIS role in Transport ................................................................................................................................. 16
2.2.2 Database role in GIS-T.............................................................................................................................. 17
2.2.3 GIS and transport related fields of applications (GIS-T) ........................................................................... 17
2.3 ArcGIS ............................................................................................................................................................. 19
2.3.1 ArcMap...................................................................................................................................................... 19
2.3.2 Network Analyst........................................................................................................................................ 20
2.4 Global Positioning System.............................................................................................................................. 22
2.4.1 Fleet management...................................................................................................................................... 23
2.4.2 Data collection and mapping ..................................................................................................................... 24
2.4.3 Incident management................................................................................................................................. 25
2.4.4 Vehicle navigation..................................................................................................................................... 26
2.4.5 Transport of hazardous Materials .............................................................................................................. 27
2.4.6 Limitations of GPS.................................................................................................................................... 27
2.5 Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) ...................................................................................... 27
Methodology .................................................................................................................................31
3.1 Ambulance Management System prototype using GIS/GPS/GSM........................................................... 31
3.1.1 Data Collection.......................................................................................................................................... 33
3.1.2 GIS database.............................................................................................................................................. 33
3.1.3 Analysis (GIS/GPS/GSM) ......................................................................................................................... 37
3.1.4 AMS information for decision making...................................................................................................... 39
3.2 AMS User interface Development.................................................................................................................. 43
3.2.1 Mechanism ................................................................................................................................................ 43
3.2.3 Nearest closest facility............................................................................................................................... 44
3.2.4 Rapid prototyping model for AMS............................................................................................................ 44
3.2.5 Software development for AMS of Hyderabad City ................................................................................. 45
3.2.6 AMS user interface flow Chart.................................................................................................................. 46
3.2.7 AMS Input Sources ................................................................................................................................... 48
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3.2.8 Themes for Analysis.................................................................................................................................. 48
3.2.9 Designed Interface of AMS....................................................................................................................... 48
3.2.10 Database Design of AMS user interface.................................................................................................. 52
Usability Test (Evaluation)..........................................................................................................54
4.1 User Test........................................................................................................................................................... 54
4.2 Followed Paradigm.......................................................................................................................................... 54
4.2.1 Observations .............................................................................................................................................. 54
5.2.2 Interviews .................................................................................................................................................. 55
5.2.3 Questionnaires ........................................................................................................................................... 55
Results ...........................................................................................................................................57
Discussion......................................................................................................................................70
6.1 Conclusion........................................................................................................................................................ 70
6.2 Future Work.................................................................................................................................................... 71
Bibliography .................................................................................................................................72
Appendix .......................................................................................................................................78



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List of Figures

2.1 Road network of Hyderabad city..13
2.2 Hyderabad police and fire station.13
2.3 Traffic jams are a familiar sight in the city...............14
2.4 Functionalities of ArcGIS9.1 network analyst extension.21
2.5 Global Positioning System for Vehicle tracking System.23
2.6 Road map of GPS tracking...24
2.7 Basic modules (building blocks) for a location and navigation system...26
2.8 Hazmat telegeomonitoring28
2.9 GSM/GPS/GIS based System Architecture..28
2.10 Modular Mobile Dispatching System (MMDS).29
2.11 AMBULANCE system architecture...30
3.1 Information flow after accident occurred on road network..31
3.2 Methodology for AMS using GIS32
3.3 GIS database for analysis in ArcMap9.1..34
3.4 Database use in AMS...36
3.5 GIS/GPS/GSM technology..37
3.6 AMS Architecture38
3.7 If accident site didnt find than40
3.8 Telematics Applications...42
3.9 Critical Time/ Space Elements43
3.10 Rapid prototyping model of AMS.45
3.11 AMS flow chart.47
3.12 AMS Interface model....51
3.13 OOGIS architecture of AMS user interface..52
4.1 Result from Evaluation..55
5.1 To identify the accident.58
5.2 To identify the ambulance locations......59
5.3 To identify fastest route from all ambulances to accident site.60
5.4 To identify fastest routing ambulance to the accident..61
5.5 To identify fastest route to the hospital..62
5.6 Multiple accidents Scenario I.63
5.7 Multiple accidents Scenario II.64
5.8 During peak hours situation I......65
5.9 During peak hours situation II.66
5.10 During peak hours situation III..67
5.11 During peak hours situation IV..68
5.12 During peak hours situation V69
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List of Tables

2.1 Population of Hyderabad every decade11
2.2 Composition of traffic flow in Major Corridors...15
2.3 Bus Fleet and No. of passengers carried per day..15
2.4 Number of Accidents in Hyderabad.16
2.5 ArcGIS extensions20
3.1 AMS database.33-34
3.2 AMS Menus49-50
3.3 AMS Tools..50-51




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Chapter 1

Introduction

1.1 Motivation

In todays traffic world, ambulance plays a major role when accident occurs on the road network
and need arises to save valuable human life. Transportation of a patient to emergency hospital
seems quite simple but in actual it is quite difficult and gets more difficult during peak hours.
Hyderabad is a growing metropolitan city with rapid increase in the number of vehicles, traffic
jams, lack of footpaths and unsafe roads for people to walk or to cross. Advanced Traveller
Information System (ATIS) by (Kumar .P et al 2003) for Hyderabad city is really a great work
indeed, but there is no Advance travelling system for ambulance movement. This ATIS is
developed using ArcView3.1, Network Analyst 1.1b and Avenue programming language. It can
be re-designed using more advanced GIS technologies and programming languages. National
Center of Immediate Assistance (EKAB) [Derekenaris .G 2000] has designed GIS/GPS/GSM
(G3) system for the ambulance management. G3 system is used to track low flying aircrafts and
vehicles on a digital map in real-time. This G3 system was a combination of GPS, GIS, and
GPRS (which is based on GSM technology) [Lin et al 2003]. These technologies really motivated
to be implemented in the more densely congested roads of Hyderabad city. In this thesis GIS-
based efficient ambulance routing system is developed using ArcGIS9.1 (Network Analyst
extension), real-time positioning techniques (GPS/GSM) and VBA. This proposed prototype
model will try to solve the routing problem of Ambulance (ambulance- accident location-
emergency hospital).
1.2 Problem Statement

Metropolitan areas across India are facing the problem of increase in congestion. Every year due
to traffic congestion millions of hours of vehicle delay increases in fuel consumption and
environmental pollution. Recurrent congestion is due to two major reasons.

High levels of traffic demand during peak travel hours cause reduction in the available
roadway capacity.
Traffic accidents and other incidents cause an unanticipated reduction in road capacity.

Traffic incidents are main cause for the problem of recurrent congestion especially when they
occur during peak hours. Incidents occur randomly during peak hour which may contribute to an
increased occurrence of certain types of traffic incidents [Maas et al 1998]. Different approaches
to solve problem of recurrent congestion have been proposed and are being implemented such as
road capacity expansion can alleviate congestion problems but may not be a solution that is
sustainable in the long run [Reddy J.S., 2006]. In Hyderabad city many flyovers have been built
in the last few years, but didnt help in reducing traffic congestion. Construction of flyovers at
Secretariat, Narayanaguda and Masab Tank were major cause of obstructions to the free flow of
vehicles [Reddy J.S., 2006]. With the present growth rate the vehicular population of Hyderabad
is expected to cross 20 lakh (2 million) by 2010, having serious implications on emissions and
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quality of life [Reddy J.S., 2006]. Andhra Pradesh government took loans from World Bank and
roads were widened but didnt help in a few places, lack (or disappearance) of footpaths resulted
in use of personal vehicles even for short distances by the commuters. It is difficult for people to
cross the roads during peak hours because more vehicles are moving on the roads. If a vehicle
travels from origin to destination during peak hours it takes longer time compared to normal time.

In Hyderabad city there are three Emergency service providers of the state government i.e. police,
hospitals and fire bridges. Most of the emergency hospital ambulances are equipped with
paramedics, even though they are unable to reach the incident site because of huge traffic at
junctions. Once the ambulance gets struck in traffic, it takes more-time to reach the incident and
it is obvious what happens to the patient till the ambulance reaches? Due to lack of verification
sometimes ambulance driver is unable to find the accident site as reported. Location, identity,
time and activity have been identified as primary context types for characterizing the situation of
an accident [Arrington& Cahill 2004]. Andhra Pradesh transport authorities have detailed
information on current features of the road network such as location, type, width, curvature,
altitude, slope etc, and will be stored in databases. This database must be updated frequently so
that it should be practically feasible. Dynamic data relevant to route performance includes details
such as current traffic flow or speed, weather, road surface conditions and variations in road
usage patterns due to events such as accidents, road maintenance or sports fixtures [Arrington&
Cahill 2004] should be provided to emergency service providers. This database and GIS together
can be helpful in finding the accidents on the road networks and the shortest & fastest route to the
accident site.
1. 3 Purpose/Goal

The main objective of this thesis is to build a GIS based prototype for the ambulance
management when an accident occurs on Hyderabad road networks. This Ambulance
Management System (AMS) is an integration of GIS (ArcGIS9.1 network analyst, GPS/GSM)
used for solving the routing and accident location problems during normal & peak hours such as.

1) To identify the accident on the road network.
2) To identify the ambulance locations on the road network in real-time using GPS
coordinates.
3) To find the fastest routes through which all the ambulances can reach the accident site.
4) To find the ambulance which can immediately reach the accident site as compared to
other ambulances is analysed.
5) After finding fastest route from the nearest ambulance to the accident location then the
fastest route from the accident site to the nearest hospital is calculated.
6) If more than one accident occurred on the road network, we have to find the fastest routes
through which ambulances can travel to reach all the accidents.
7) To find the fastest routes from all the accidents to reach the hospital immediately.
8) During the peak hours roads are congested, how ambulances should travel.
1.4 Limitations

AMS (Ambulance Management System) will provide speedy transportation of a patient when an
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accident occurs in Hyderabad city. AMS can be used for city wide, if the whole city street
network and hospitals database is available. This prototype for ambulance management is studied
on a small geographical area of Hyderabad city due to lack of data. This system can be developed
as whole model, but we need sufficient funding from Andhra Pradesh state government.
According to (Kumar P et al 2003), Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) should be cost
effective, efficient and at the same time it should be compatible with present level of
development in the related fields. Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) for life saving costs
more to government than whom should be responsible. Private sector companies should come
forward to have a part in development of the country.
1.5 Thesis Outline

The theory on present study area Hyderabad city uses Geographical Information System (GIS),
Global Positioning System (GPS) and Global Communication System (GSM) for vehicle location
system is described in Chapter 2(theoretical frame). In this chapter, research work in ambulance
location system using GIS is discussed in detail. Methodology of Ambulance Management
System (AMS) and its working prototype system design is described in chapter 3. The detailed
working design and working of Ambulance Management System (AMS) is also described.
Usability of the Ambulance Management System (AMS) user interface is tested by GIS users and
their comments are described in chapter 4. The results obtained from AMS are described in
chapter 5. In chapter 6, description about the future work related to AMS and what we concluded
from the ambulance management system.
























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Chapter 2

Theoretical Frame

2.1 Study Area

Hyderabad is a capital city of Andhra Pradesh (India) and also Indias fifth largest city .It has
been the capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh since 400 years [Ali Akhter 2004]. It is well
known as hub of information technology and the city of the future. It is growing along the
highways which connect the city to Mumbai, Delhi, and various cities& district headquarters
respectively. Thus urban-industrial-transportation development seems to go hand in hand in these
areas and this is a significant post independence phenomenon [Ali Akhter 2004]. Hyderabad city
is located in the centre of the Deccan Plateau at an average height of 540 meters (1760 feets)
above mean sea level. Hyderabad has Nagpur city on the North, Bangalore city on the South,
Vishakhapatnam city on the East, Mumbai city on the West beside many other cities around. The
city is located at 17 20 North latitude and 78 30 East longitude, covering an area of 240
SqKms, at present city consists of 35 municipal wards including 12 wards of Secundrabad [Ali
Akhter 2004]. Musi River is a tributary of river Krishna and passing through centre of the city
dividing the city into north Hyderabad and south Hyderabad.
2.1.1 Population

Hyderabad city was the fifth largest metropolis of India with a population of 5,434,347 according
to 2001 census. The gradual increase in population of Hyderabad is mentioned below [Ali Akhter
2004].
Year Population
1901 0.448 millions
1911 0.502 millions
1921 0.406 millions
1931 0.447 millions
1941 0.739 millions
1951 1.28 million
1961 1.429 million
1971 1.796 million
1981 2.759 millions
1991 4.34 millions
2001 5.43 millions

Table 2.1: Population of Hyderabad every decade

Due to rapid growth of urban sprawl and increase of population resulted in the following facts.
Deterioration of infrastructure facilities.
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Loss of productive agricultural lands.
Loss of green open spaces.
Loss of surface water bodies.
Depletion of groundwater aquifers zones.
Causing air pollution.
Contamination of water.
Health hazards
Micro-climatic changes.

To solve this problem we need accurate data at regular intervals about urban land use,
environment, sprawl, infrastructure and resources.
2.1.2 Cause for huge traffic flow

Hyderabad city is divided into two parts (old city and new city). A large number of research and
training institutions of national importance are located mostly outside the old city, and though the
Osmania general hospital is located in old city, there is a gross inadequacy of health facilities [Ali
Akhter 2004]. Hospitals and educational institutions located outside old city results in movement
of people between old and new city to get these facilities, and due to which traffic flow on roads
increase. During peak hours 9AM-11AM in morning and 4PM-8PM evening there is a huge
traffic movement on road networks. Not only traffic increases but also inhabitants living in old
city also facing difficulties.
2.1.3 Historical fact

Old city being unplanned and oldest due to which roads are narrow and most of the road side
rules are violated. Police & Fire stations are not properly located in the Hyderabad city as shown
in figure 2.2. Hyderabad city was founded by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah in 1591 AD.
Historical aspects and geography of the urban development Hyderabad city has been such that
rapid development has taken place in a few areas on one hand and on the other hand few areas
have declined since decades, especially the old city area [Ali Akhter 2004]. City was built to
provide shelter for about 5 lakh population but now it is increased to 50 lakhs. In the present
situation emergency service providers were unable to provide services to current population.





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Figure 2.1: Road network of Hyderabad city




Figure 2.2: Hyderabad police and fire station [Ali Akhter 2004]

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2.1.4 Increase in Vehicles

Hyderabad is a metropolitan city with vast increase in the number of vehicles, traffic jams and
lack of footpaths. In Hyderabad, roads are unsafe for people who would like to walk or to cross
roads. The transport authorities have given more importance to flyovers rather than to give more
importance to efficient public transport. Due to unplanned growth of the city and migration of
people from rural areas, districts and inefficient public transport system has resulted in an
unpleasant situation for traffic in the city. In the last two decades the number of vehicles has
grown enormously [Reddy J.S., 2006]. In Hyderabad most of the people depend on personal
vehicles for transport due to these traffic jams and choking of streets has become quite common.



Figure 2.3: Traffic jams are a familiar sight in the city [Dr. Reddy S. J -2006]


At present there are about 11 lakhs (1.1 million) vehicles in the city [Reddy J.S., 2006]. There is
a high growth rate in two-wheelers and cars during the last five years of the last decade with an
increase rate of about 10% per year. In Hyderabad more than 80% of the vehicles are two-
wheelers (mostly 2-stroke engines) producing a bulk amount of unborn hydrocarbons and carbon-
monoxide. About 10% vehicles comprises of trucks, buses, taxis and 3-wheeler, which are mostly
used for daily transportation. The transport vehicles used for commercial purposes (about 90000)
normally runs for more than 100 kms per day and most of them are using diesel as fuel. More
than 50% of these vehicles are reported to be not eligible or unfit for PUC (Pollution under
Control) certificate, as they are older than 15 years. The average life span of a vehicle is six
years, which travels about 300 km per day and there is no way to use these kinds of vehicles after
they travel for 500,000 kms.

Average number of vehicles travel on roads contributes a major change to mode of travel on city
roads. Travelling modes of last two decade are shown in below table.
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Mode of Travel Composition of traffic flows
During-1986(%)
Composition of traffic flows
during-1998(%)
Buses 2 3
Scooters/ Motor cycles 18 50
Cars 4 14
Auto rickshaws 6 18
Bicycles 42 10
Others 28 5

Table 2.2: Composition of traffic flow in major Corridors [HATS DB I-2002I]


Andhra Pradesh State Road Transportation (APSRTC) buses are the major transportation mode
for regular education trips and work. Table below shows that buses remain static over the years
though the bus fleet continuously increases from time to time.


Sl.No Year Bus Fleet Occupancy No of passengers
carried per day
in Millions
1 1995-96 2018 74 2.981
2 1996-97 2122 75 3.177
3 1997-98 2217 69 3.054
4 1998-99 2328 70 3.253
5 1999-2000 2425 63 3.050
6 2000-2001 2480 58 2.872
7 2001-2002 2605 59 3.068

Table 2.3: Bus fleet and No. of passengers carried per day [HATS DB II-2002, APSRTC]











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2.1.5 Number of accidents in Andhra pradesh

GOVERNMENT OF ANDHRA PRADESH TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT
Road Accidents Particulars
Number of Accidents Number of Persons Killed Number of Persons injured Name of the
District / City
2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001
Hyderabad 3042 3802 3526 3062 2609 344 448 496 420 404 3448 3958 3361 2785 2307
Rangareddy 569 479 984 2839 2531 181 143 318 810 692 879 767 1289 3595 3044
Cyberabad 3107 3078 2453 0 0 852 875 711 0 0 2734 3208 2728 0 0
Mahaboobnagar 1355 1420 1180 1256 1095 599 592 480 515 504 2103 2230 1830 2007 1915
Nalgonda 1958 1770 1519 1558 1426 717 835 515 572 500 3309 2707 2291 2422 2264
Nizamabad 1367 1346 1564 1520 1216 317 323 290 309 251 2330 2255 2862 2512 1606
Medak 1276 1490 1430 1252 1093 535 497 554 501 398 2317 2710 2426 2208 1780
Warangal 1591 1661 1251 1582 1350 397 421 366 380 317 2423 2606 2301 2432 1992
Khammam 1663 1743 1316 1386 1135 448 419 360 386 252 2456 2909 1889 2180 1785
Karimnagar 1522 1584 1477 1450 1136 416 403 406 427 340 2208 4061 2088 2016 1501
Adilabad 1344 1487 1406 1365 1056 331 307 267 296 198 2203 2492 2202 2399 1746
Kurnool 1400 1438 1145 1167 965 423 373 328 406 362 2299 2429 1649 1770 1331
Cuddapah 1357 1243 973 1100 853 420 387 294 327 235 2166 1869 1425 1652 1085
Anathapur 1127 1126 1001 1066 841 399 417 341 371 317 1878 1942 1773 1743 1442
Chittoor 1909 2018 1809 1830 1485 653 660 545 502 433 2710 2938 2344 2413 1883
Guntur 1727 1668 1438 1301 1078 555 749 476 432 388 2238 1966 1719 1672 1324
Nellore 1033 1284 849 1137 984 394 384 316 303 308 1613 1952 1624 1687 1222
Prakasham 998 845 751 693 605 349 355 296 303 291 1207 966 957 1034 779
West Godavari 1607 1493 1345 1302 1017 511 517 499 513 427 2149 1915 1594 1566 1200
East Godavari 2304 2033 1854 1989 1716 634 487 450 517 477 2713 2471 2298 2317 1947
Krishna 1180 1109 868 860 826 343 302 307 284 292 1830 1605 1183 1074 1059
Vijayawada 1172 1306 1239 1081 743 282 214 241 267 174 1136 1346 1261 1191 796
Visakhapatnam 994 912 1079 1106 1054 221 239 203 168 181 1149 1158 1139 1055 1026
Visakhapatnam
Rural
1067 981 846 837 774 338 280 202 189 183 1611 1476 1163 1123 1069
Vizayanagaram 908 883 776 810 714 207 207 199 161 160 1329 1421 1079 1179 1057
Srikakulam 762 738 747 584 600 210 212 219 164 164 1228 1082 1002 776 771
Total 38339 38937 34826 34133 28902 11076 11046 9679 9523 8248 53666 56439 47477 46808 37931

Table 2.4: Number of accident A.P [Misra Ajay 2005]

2.2 GIS
2.2.1 GIS role in Transport

Geographical Information System (GIS) is used for the storage and analysis of spatial
information. GIS gives more emphasis on analysis of geographic information, in contrast with
other graphic or management systems more directed at the representation of geographic data or
its storage [Cowen, D.J 1988]. Today different disciplines use Information Technology(IT) to
17
process the geographic information (remote sensing, geography, civil engineering, cartography,
topology, geodesy, photogrammetry, ecology, architecture, computer science etc) [Pons & Perez
2003].Transport networks are used for movement of people, goods, and energy. The features such
as form, efficiency and capacity of these networks make an impact on our quality of life and
improve our perception of the world. When GIS is applied to transport, this is more than just a
sphere of application of their generic functionality [Thill 2000]. L.Downey, Deputy Secretary for
Transportation said We see the geographical Information Systems as a real opportunity to unify
transportation planning with the vast data processing capabilities inherent to todays technology
and also Xu(2000) said telematic products and services for individual means of transport are
based on the integration of digital maps, RDS/TMC ( radio data systems/ traffic message
channels) for the transmission of traffic data, GPS(Global Positioning Systems) and GSM(
Global System for Mobile Communications) for the transmission of travel data, and mobile
telephone communications and other additional sensors are needed to collect travelling
information in real-time.

2.2.2 Database role in GIS-T

Creating spatial databases for GIS based transportation is one of the most costly tasks from
perspective of economy and time. The steps are followed to create geographic database [Pons &
Perez 2003].

Topographic base maps have to be created for the transport infrastructure.
Thematic attributes are compiled,
Providing information on the traffic flows and on the transport infrastructure carried by
the latter.
Large scale information is needed for transport and the real-world object attributes vary
continuously over the course of time.

GIS based transportation data is collected from different sources such as GPS, topography,
photos, remote sensors, etc. The three important components are used for processing of
information [Pons & Perez 2003], and any delay in its development results in complex matter.

Locational component: the position of the data within a geographic space

Thematic component: the type of geographic attributes to be found in a certain place

Temporal component: the thematic aspect of a location at a given time

With the incorporation of GPS (Global Positioning Systems), video logging, remote sensors,
signal communication systems, and cellular telephones (GSM, VHF) into GIS, geo-localization
techniques are undergoing a big revolution [Farrell & Barth 1999].
2.2.3 GIS and transport related fields of applications (GIS-T)

18
Geographical Information System (GIS) is applied to three major fields of transport [Pons &
Perez 2003]:


1) transport planning :

Geographical Information System (GIS) is used in accessibility studies, multimodal transport
analyses, integral transport planning, assessing the environmental impact of new
infrastructure policies, pollution control, risk planning and management, construction of new
roads

2) fleet and logistical management:

Geographical Information System (GIS) is used in route planning of car navigation
system, metrological hazard control, traffic control, passenger assistance system, vehicle
fleet control, emergency management

3) management of infrastructure:

Geographical Information System (GIS) is used in road and motorway management, railway
network management, airport management.

Geographical Information System (GIS) is used for modelling of road networks offering
algorithms to analyze and find the shortest or minimum route through a network. GIS can be used
to calculate distance between sets of origin and destination, whereas location-allocation functions
determine site locations and assign demand to sites. Street addresses can be converted to map
coordinates (address geocoding) [G.DereKeneris et al 2000]. These capabilities of Geographical
Information Systems (GIS) to analyze spatial networks enable them to be used as Decision
Support Systems for directing and routing of vehicles [M.D Crossland et al 1995 & Keenan, P.,
1996, 1997]. Data regarding Spatial position of ambulances, the distribution of incidents
occurring in the past and distribution concerning road traffic will be very useful for the routing of
ambulances in future. Data concerned to events such as road works or political/public
demonstration also affects road traffic will be available from the municipality or the police.
Furthermore, data concerning hospitals, ambulances, and their personnel will be stored in DBMS
and used by the GIS whenever it is necessary.

GIS is mostly employed today in operational research as a one way data feeder for mathematical
models [Erkut E 2001] and successfully provides distance and time for their emergency services
districting and location problems. The complexity of Arc routing problems can be solved using
better integration of the mathematical formulation and resolution into the available GIS data
model. The increase of GIS usage in transportation(GIS-T) has brought new paradigms in
transportation planning such as the desegregation of the spatial locations but some challenges
remain about the storage of the temporal data as the within applications[Goodchild MF 2000].

A graphical user interface allows displaying and manipulating graphical objects; data storage and
processing allows an eased interaction with the mathematical optimizers. Different object-
oriented modelling languages provide libraries of .dll files (tools) for efficient interaction of
19
different geographical data processing for the vehicle routing. However, the efficiency of a
combined use of GIS, GPS, and a modelling language relies on the capacity to handle the huge
amount of data related to the problem [Marzolf Fabien et al 2005].

Usually roads are monitored by patrol vehicles of police and Road Transportation Corporation
(RTC). The aim of this road network monitoring is to detect various incidents occurring on it
immediately so this activity could be planned very carefully. However, due to numerous incidents
that call for the patrol to quit its planned route and move to the incidents location, most of the
monitoring routes are not completed and the following ones have to be re-planned constantly
[Marzolf Fabien et al 2005]. A bridge has been built between two distinct fields which allowed
the use of operational data within robust and powerful mathematical algorithm to produce
solutions and satisfies the operational constraints and the human requirements.

Various forecasting methods including historical profile approaches, neural networks, non- time-
series models, traffic simulation models, parametric regression models and dynamic traffic
assignment models are being developed by researchers of intelligent transportation system (ITS).
One of the most critical elements of intelligent transportation system (ITS) is forecasting the
travel time. In fact noble idea is extremely difficult to accomplish due to the complex nature of
traffic networks [Keenan, P., 1998]. Detecting future travel time depends on features of the
traffic networks including, speed, traffic flow, incident and queue.

2.3 ArcGIS

Organisation uses Geographical Information System (GIS) to obtain better information for better
decision making. GIS presents the real-world objects on map and easy to use spatial tools for
performing the most complicated task. In our real-world spatial objects are presented in different
ways. In Geographical Information System, spatial objects are represented as point, line and
polygon. ArcGIS is GIS software which belongs to ESRI software solutions. In ArcGIS desktop,
there are three main applications of our interest ArcMap, ArcCatlog and ArcToolbox.

ArcMap: This application is used to explore, analyze both spatial and non-spatial data.

ArcCatlog: This application is used to manage spatial data

ArcToolbox: This application contains tools to perform GIS tasks.
2.3.1 ArcMap

ArcMap is the ArcGIS application used to perform the following task with geographical data.
To perform analysis
Explore and edit
Create maps, graphs and reports, etc

The ArcMap working model consists of the map display area, table of contents, number of
toolbars and menus for working with map and its attribute data. ArcGIS extensions allows GIS
20
users to expand the functional capabilities of ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo with specialized
GIS tools for raster geoprocessing, three-dimensional visualization, geostatistical analysis, etc.



Extension Use
ArcGIS 3D Analyst 3-dimensional visualization and
analysis
ArcGIS Geostatistical Analyst Statistical tools and models for
data exploration, modelling and
probabilistic mapping
ArcGIS Network Analyst Routing closest facility, and
service area analysis
ArcGIS Schematics Automatic schematics generation
for ArcGIS
ArcGIS spatial Analyst Advanced raster GIS analysis
ArcGIS Survey Analyst Integrated survey management for
ArcGIS
ArcGIS Tracking Analyst Time-based data visualization and
analysis


Table 2.5: ArcGIS extensions

2.3.2 Network Analyst

ArcGIS Network Analyst is a powerful extension for routing purpose and used for making
network-based spatial analysis such as [Elizabeth Shafer 2005].

Point-to-point routing
Drive-time Analysis
Route directions
Shortest path
Optimum route
Origin destination
Closest facility
Service area definition

The main key features are routing (Multipoint routing, time windows supported on stops and
travelling salesperson), service areas (Complex polygon generation, allocation across networks),
closest facility (fixed and mobile asset routing, emergency response) and driving directions
(expandable inset maps, Auto generation capability). Network Analyst will benefit the
organisations like transport, public safety, local government, business and health care.
21
ArcGIS 9.1 contain some of the improved functionalities, which are note available in old versions
[Elizabeth Shafer 2005].

To create multipart turns and global turn impedances
To create dynamic barrier (where vehicle cant pass)
To create Complex (multimodal) network.
Time windows to show stop duration on stops within routes
To create u-turn restrictions and curb approaches for stops
To create large network
Network data sets can be geodatabase, shape file or SDC (smart data compressed)
Provide OD (Origin-destination) matrix functionality
To solve Custom problem (customer solver)
More advanced attribute data model for network impedances
Capability of geoprocessing tools, scripting and models
User specified directions setup wizards and their own customization

Network analysis for optimal path routing and finding the best route between two or more points
is based on distance, effort, time, or another measure. Optimal path routing is often used for
routing emergency response vehicles [Allan & Gifford 1997]. Network Analysis extension of
GIS is used to build an immediate, rapid and efficient emergency medical transport system for
Middle East Technical University (METU) Emergency Service, Ankara, Turkey. It is called as
AML (Ambulance Management Logistic) [Glden et al 2004]. This study shows that Emergency
transport system with a GIS extension Network Analysis shortens the delivering time and reduces
the harm to patient to the lowest level. To avoid terrorist attack at Ericsson Stadium, ArcViews
extension Network Analyst is used to examine, plan and response of emergency resources in the
California city. Some of the results from ArcViews extension Network Analyst are as fallows
[Elizabeth Shafer 2005].
Closest Facility function to locate the emergency hospital and fire station closest to the
stadium
Best Route function to model the best route from each trauma hospital to the stadium
Best Route function to model the best route from Charlotte Fire Station #13 located at
4337 Glenwood Drive to Ericsson Stadium and an alternate route that avoids Thrift Road

22


Figure 2.4 Functionalities of ArcGIS9.1 Network Analyst Extension [Elizabeth Shafer 2005]
2.4 Global Positioning System

Global Positioning System (GPS) is a developing technology used to locate an accurate position
on earth using satellite signals. Today GPS is used in different industries as a decision making
tool. The development of GPS technology was started with TRANSIT system, the first satellite-
based system was called transit, which came into existence in 1964. TRANSIT system had no
timing devices on the satellites and the time took by the receiver to calculate its position was
about 15 minutes. In the early 70's, the United States military began a program that would later
be known as the NAVSTAR (Navigation Satellite Timing and Ranging System) GPS program
[Mintsis. G et al, 2004]. NAVSTAR was actually used in military positioning, navigation and
weapons aiming system. The information regarding the speed (dx/dt, dy/dt, and dz/dt) of vehicle,
ship etc. is also obtained all over the world at any time, and in any climatic conditions [Mintsis. G
et al, 2004]. The life span of each GPS satellite is 7.5 years. GPS receiver can be hand carried or
installed on airplane, ship, buses, submarines, car and trucks. Global positioning system (GPS)
receivers detect, decode, and process satellite signals to know the real-time position. The typical
hand-held receiver is about the size of a cellular telephone, and the newer models are even
smaller weighed only 28 ounces [Jason Dykes] Global Positioning System (GPS) applications are
nowadays widely used in different scientific fields such as topography, geodesy, hydrography,
photogrammetry, transportation etc [Mintsis. G et al, 2004]. Transportation of people and goods
from one place to another plays a vital role in every aspect of the countrys economy.

In India use of GPS/GIS technology in road and railway transportation can improve the
efficiency of operations while at the same time it can make contribution to safety natural disasters
and man-made disasters. GPS/GIS applications in the land transportation system are divided into
four main categories that are as follows [Mintsis. G et al, 2004].

1. Vehicle fleet management
2. How GPS use in Data collection and mapping.
3. Incident management
23
4. Vehicle navigation systems
2.4.1 Fleet management

GPS is used to provide information such as

1. Locating the nearest ambulance to the accident area.
2. Locating the nearest Police jeep to the crime accord area.
3. How much time a bus or train take to reach the station and how far it is from the station

These kinds of systems are known as AVL (Automatic Vehicle Location) systems [Mintsis. G et
al, 2004]. The real time data collected from GPS was spatially analysed using GIS. The accurate
position of each vehicle is known by using spatial information. There are some problems with
GPS based AVL, such as in urban areas big buildings obstruct the satellite signals. The GPS
receivers receive poor quality of signals. Adding additional sensors with GPS devices can solve
this problem. The three taxi companies in Singapore implemented the GPS-based Automatic
Vehicle Location and Dispatching Systems (AVLDS) [Liao Ziqi 2003]. Each taxi is installed with
a GPS receiver, antennae and a transmitter. The AVLD identifies the nearest taxi to a customer
and also determine its route and location with coordinates of longitude and latitude. All taxis
which were near to a customer offered a job via mobile data communications. When one of the
drivers accepts the job, he gives response by pressing a button on a display unit installed in his
taxi. Strategic Analytics estimates that by the year 2007, up to 55% of new cars produced in the
U.S., Europe, and Japan will have built-in telematics function [SAN JOSE, Calif 2002].

A GIS/GPS based Intelligent Transport System was developed by the Bangalore Metropolitan
Transport Corporation (BMTC) for monitoring the movement of their vehicles at an affordable
cost [Kharola1 S.P et al]. This system was designed to convert the latitude and the longitude
given by the GPS device into the nearest location and then the system will generate a log-sheet
giving the location of the bus on the road network at certain periodic intervals in the form of
location on a map. A sample output is shown below


24


Figure 2.5: Global Positioning System for Vehicle tracking System [Padmanabhan .J, 2001]




Figure 2.6: Road map of GPS tracking [Kharola1 S.P et al]

2.4.2 Data collection and mapping

The data collection and mapping are the important tasks done using GPS technology. GPS
technology is spatially used in mapping of transportation network to complete the work quickly
and reduces the cost. Each and every GPS data file contains data such as time trample, speed,
longitude, latitude and satellite navigational data at regular time intervals. In Greece, Faculty of
Civil Engineering of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki carried out a project named pilot project
Satellite GPS
GPS unit installed on vehicles Base Station
25
for mapping the road network with GPS [Tokmakidis & Tziavos 2000]. The mapping was carried
out on National Highway road, which connects two cities Thessaloniki and Athens. The
important method used in this road mapping is pseudo-kinematics. The result of this project
shows that GPS/GIS are appropriate for both small scale and large scale road network mapping,
and also cost effective. In June 1990, a special Differential GPS (DGPS) project was carried out
[Byman & Koskelo 1991]. In this project a vehicle equipped with a GPS receiver and Dead
Reckoning devices (DR) was used to collect numerical road location information and the attribute
data while driving along the roads of Finland. The result of this project shows that the
information obtained was 1-3 m of accuracy and at the vehicle speed of 60 km/hr. Faculty of
Rural & Surveying Engineering of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki for Hellenic Railway
Organisation carried out a project [G. Mintsis et al 2000]. Aim of this project to develop a tool
for mapping and monitoring the railway network
2.4.3 Incident management

In todays busy life everyone wants to live in urban areas due to which population as well as
traffic congestions increased also resulted in increased accidents. GPS technology can be used for
incident management and for monitoring the road networks. GPS technology is used in incident
management (monitoring of the emergency vehicles and minimisation of their journey time in
urban areas) has been proposed in the framework of research in Greece [Lakakis .K, 2000]. GPS
technology is very much useful in determining the accurate position of an accident on the road
network. GPS/GIS technology has the ability to produce accurate thematic maps with black
spots (spots where a statistically significant number of road incidents occurred during certain
time period) [Mintsis. G et al, 2004]. Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) provides three
major elements of incident management system: Traffic Inspection (incident detection and
verification), Clearance and Motorist Information. The GPS/GIS technology is implemented in
the case of dangerous good transportation (e.g., fuels, chemicals etc.) where the positioning of
vehicle provides useful information to the user (e.g., company, organisation) for the safe routing
and scheduling of the fleet [Tzinieris .G & Delikaraoglou .D, 1992].

The GPS will be used in Indian railways for incident management system; because of rail
accidents many people were losing their lives. Indian railway is the one network that connects the
billion people living in the broad country. Nearly 13 million people travel by train every day.
Indias vast rail network is set to get hi-tech solutions to prevent the recurring major crashes that
blight its reputation [Monica .C 2003]. The main purpose of this hi-tech solution is

If any problem by way of derailment or any other danger on the tracks will be picked up
by the GPS and a warning will be conveyed via this device to the driver inside the engine
cabin.
Driver will be kept alert by a vigilance control device that will make sure they do not fall
asleep while operating a train.
If the driver performs no action for 20 seconds at a stretch, then the device gives out an
audio-visual signal for the driver to move controls.
If the driver fails to do anything, then the brakes come on automatically within the next 30
seconds.
26
2.4.4 Vehicle navigation

Vehicle navigation system was used to guide the drivers on roads to reach their destination where
as vehicle location systems (VLS) are used for managing a fleet of vehicle. The vehicles of a fleet
are fitted with GPS, which usually transmit the positional data of the vehicle to a central station.

Public transportation have been improved by implementing a GPS-based vehicle location system,
as in Paris (Ampelas & Daguerregaray, 1999) passengers are better informed about the intervals
between buses and display information on Light Emitting Diode display and increasing the
security of the service [Zarazaga-Soria et al,2000]. An over-the-head study of visual-manual
destination entry using an originally equipment GPS-based navigation system was used in traffic
on urban streets and motorways [Chiang .P, 2004]. In 1993, TravTek test [V. Inman et al 1996]
was conducted in Orlando, Florida. The aim of this test is to provide in-vehicle navigation and
dynamic route guidance system with real time traffic information



Figure 2.7: Basic modules (building blocks) for a location and navigation system [Yilin
Zhao 1997]
A digital map database contains digitised map information with a predefined format, which can
be processed by a computer for map-related functions such as identifying and giving locations,
road classifications, traffic regulations, and travel information. A positioning module focuses on
different sensor outputs or a mobile device to identify the road travelled and each intersection
approached. A typical stand-alone technique is dead reckoning, and a typical radio-signal based
technique uses a GPS receivers. Map matching is a method of matching the position measured
(or) received by a positioning module to a position associated with a location (or route) on a map
provided by the map database module. Route Planning is the process of helping vehicle driver to
plan a route prior to (or) during their journey, based on a given map provided by the map
database module, if available, along with real-time traffic information received via a wireless
communications network. Route guidance is the process of guiding the driver along the route
Route
Planning
Route
Guidance
Wireless
Communication
Positoning
Map
Matching
Human Machine
interface
Digital Map
Database
27
generated by the route planning module and it requires the help of an accurate positioning and
map databases in order to determine current vehicle position and generate proper real-time
guidance instructions, often turn by turn. A human-machine interface allows users to interact
with the location and navigation computer and devices. A wireless communication module
further improves the performance and increases the functionality of the system
2.4.5 Transport of hazardous Materials

Global Positioning System satellites are used to locate position of a vehicle accurately. After
September 11 2001, terrorist attacks on America. The project named Hazardous Material Safety
and Security Technology Operation Test carried out by the Department of Transportations,
Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration [Joseph P. DeLorenzo et al 2004]. In this project U.S. DOT was asked to find out
the different areas in transportation that were susceptible of terrorist attack. In U.S.A ships
transport daily 800,000 of hazardous materials, which may be explosive, toxic and other less
flammable materials. The petroleum products are about 300,000 of the daily transported in
U.S.A, which was transported by truck, ships etc. In this project GPS is used to locate load/cargo
accurately and also provide a display unit, which is installed within a vehicle. Through this
display unit drivers can have two-text communications system. The positions of a truck, ship etc
are automatically transmitted to dispatcher center. The Chemical manufacturer BASF Corp.
planned to start testing a GPS system with real-time computer interface on 200 of its tank cars
[Marybeth Luczak 2004]. These tank cars carry poisons products. This GPS system provides
security and fleet efficiency to tank car drivers. Lat-Lon Inc. and Star Track LLC offer tracking
and tracing devices for tank cars, which in known as Lat-Lons RailRider. In this system GPS is
combined with the chlorine detection sensor. The different information about tank cars is
transmitted from GPS to appropriate authority. Then the GIS operator uses this information to
locate address on a city digital map. If any emergency occurs the GIS operator tries to find out
the schools, colleges nearest to that location for evacuating area. During this data transmission
data is encrypted for security purpose.
2.4.6 Limitations of GPS

After May 2000 Selective Availability (SA) has been removed, this was the main cause for errors
during positioning. There are some problems with GPS based AVL such as in urban areas, there
are big building that abstract the satellite signals. The GPS device receives poor quality of
signals. Adding additional sensors with GPS devices can solve this problem. A GPS receiver
takes several minutes to start (cold start) to achieve the MS location fix. In emergency services, it
is considered to be major delay for many applications. Also the question of size, cost and power
consumption are main cause of limitation
2.5 Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM)

In present commercial society cellular communication system has become a new trend for many
different applications. GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) is developed by
European Telecommunications Standard Institute (ETSI). GSM (Global System for mobile
telecommunication) comprises the CEFT-defined standardization of the services,
28
functional/subsystem interfaces, and protocol architecture based on the use of worldwide
standards produced by CCITT and CCIR for a pan European digital land mobile system primarily
intended to serve users in motor vehicles [Rahnema Moe 1993]. GSM provides powerful
messaging service that enhances and facilitate roaming through automatic network location
detection and registration. Most popular technology for real-time communication in transport
industry is telegeomonitoring. Telegeomonitoring system is a combination of geographical
information system and telecommunication. Telegeomonitoring system is used for monitoring the
transportation of hazardous materials [Boulmakoul Azedine 2005]. In the field of transportation,
for environmental monitoring (e.g., population monitoring, Hazmat monitoring) main focus is on
GIS. For environmental monitoring use of telecommunications and positioning system is highly
important. Telegeomonitoring is also widely used in dynamic guidance and fleet management of
vehicles as shown in below figure 2.8.



Figure 2.8: Hazmat telegeomonitoring [Boulmakoul Azedine 2005]

The integration of GIS, GPS, and GSM technologies are applied in different fields such as
logistic management, intelligent transportation, defence security, electric power distribution and
urban planning etc to provide location based information on digital map. A Web GIS-based GPS
Vehicle Monitoring System [Qimin et al, 2003] with three-tier architecture has been developed to
monitor real-time location information of certain moving vehicles on electrical map online. In
this system GSM is used as a communication platform in GPS-based vehicle monitoring systems
because of its high frequency, capability, reliability, wide coverage, open interface and so on.
How Web-based GPS vehicle monitoring is developed based on GSM is shown in below figure
2.9.

29


Figure 2.9: GSM/GPS/GIS based System Architecture [Qimin et al, 2003]

Another example of GIS/GPS/GSM is Modular Mobile Dispatching System (MMDS), which
consist of a GIS database, a GPS receiver, a GSM as communication module and other I/O
devices for dispatching of vehicles. A vehicle driver in emergency uses MMDS [Hsiung et al
2003] and get help within 4 minutes from the time a call made from the vehicles to the call center
through GSM communication, then the call centre operator plot the drivers location on a map
using GIS, locating and dispatching the ambulance towards the location by informing the target
help through GSM, and route navigation is provided using GIS database. This example is shown
in below figure 2.10.



Figure 2.10: Modular Mobile Dispatching System (MMDS) [Hsiung et al 2003]

An AMBULANCE project (R & D project) was developed in corporation with European
Commission within the framework of the Health telematics program [Pavlopoulos et al 1998].
30
This system uses the GSM to have over 95% of the coverage. This system consists of two
modules such as.

The mobile unit(ambulance site)
The consultation unit(hospital site)

The working of mobile and consultation unit are shown in figure 2.11.



Figure 2.11: AMBULANCE system architecture [Pavlopoulos et al 1998]






31
Chapter 3

Methodology
3.1 Ambulance Management System prototype using GIS/GPS/GSM

The proposed Ambulance Management System (AMS) follows a step by step process. If an
accident occurs on the road network, information will be sent to nearest traffic control room
which is then forwarded to nearest emergency hospital, fire station and police station
[Kowtanapanich et al 2003] from telephone booth or mobile phone.



Figure 3.1: Information flow after accident occurred on road network


When a call comes from accident site to traffic control room, the controller informs this
information to nearest emergency hospital, police station and fire station (if any fire occurs on the
spot). Emergency hospitals will use Ambulance management system (AMS) to find the accident
site on the road network (nearest road segment and landmark) and find nearest ambulance to
accident site and allocate that ambulance to accident site. AMS tools are used to find the fastest
path from nearest ambulance location to accident site; from accident site to nearest hospital; route
map and directions are sent to ambulance driver. Also some other information is also provided to
ambulance driver such as.

Fastest path from nearest ambulance location to accident site & from accident site to
nearest Hospital
If accident occurs during peak hours different alternative fastest paths are provided other
than the normal fastest paths on major roads but this time ambulance driver should follow
32
fastest path on both major & minor roads to avoid congestion and time delay to save the
life.
If once ambulance is struck in congestion it takes more time to reach the accident area

The main aim is to help the ambulance in reaching the accident area as fast as possible without
getting delay due to the congestion on road network.



Figure 3.2: Methodology for AMS using GIS

33

3.1.1 Data Collection

Ambulance management system (AMS) data is collected from three sources of map data, real-
time data and police/transport authorities

Map data: Map data is collected from GIS professionals of Hyderabad city. Map data consist of
major roads, minor roads, hospitals, fire stations, landmarks and police stations.

Spatial data: In AMS real-time location of an ambulance can be tracked using GPS/GSM (Global
Positioning System).

Police/Transport Authority reports: When an incident occurs on road network information about
incident is recorded by police authority in the form of reports. Transport authoritys record the
information about the major/minor road networks
3.1.2 GIS database

GIS database is developed combing these three map, spatial and police/ transport data.

Theme Fields Description
Road network Name
One-way
Speed limits
Length
Drive time
Category
Name of the road
Contain information of one-way road
Speed limits on that road segment
Length of the road
Drive time calculated based on speed limit and
length
Category key number
Hospitals Name
Label
Category
Name of the hospital
Label of the hospital
Category key number for private and govt
hospitals
Minor road Name
One-way
Speed limits
Length
Drive time
Category
Name of the road
Contain information of one-way road
Speed limits on that road segment
Length of the road
Drive time calculated based on speed limit and
length
Category key number
Ambulance ID
Employees
Identity number
Responsible employees for telemedicine ,
including driver(locating using GPS)


34



Theme Fields Description
Accident Amb_ID
Nearest_La
A_cause
Date
Time
Hospital_T
Identity number
Nearest landmark
Accident cause
Accident date
Accident time
Hospital where patient is moved
Police Station ID
Name
Label
Identity number
Name of the police station
Label of the police station
Fire station ID
Name
Label
Identity number
Name of the police station
Label of the police station

Table 3.2: AMS database



Figure 3.3: GIS database for analysis in ArcMap9.1
35

Map Data:

Major roads are connected together to form road network of Hyderabad city. This road
network is used by vehicles for transport where the traffic flow is steady and cause for
traffic congestion. These major roads are represented as chain of lines in Ambulance
Management System (AMS) user interface.
Minor road networks are small streets in-between buildings. These are used for walking,
cycling and even ambulance can use if there is a congestion on major roads. Minor road is
represented as line feature in Ambulance Management System (AMS) user interface.
Emergency hospitals in the city are responsible for allocating ambulances to accident area
and take it back for providing medical care. Emergency Hospital is represented as point
feature in Ambulance management system (AMS) user interface.
Police & fire stations in the city are responsible for recording incidents on the road
networks and providing the safety to public. Police & fire station is represented as point
feature in Ambulance Management System (AMS) user interface.

Spatial Data:

In AMS real-time location of an ambulance will be tracked using GPS (Global Positioning
System).GPS technology is spatially used in mapping of transportation network to complete the
work quickly and reduces the cost. A GPS device will be installed on each and every ambulance,
and signals of this GPS will be sent to control room (Emergency hospital). The data collected
from GPS will be stored in database as x, y co-ordinates of the ambulance location on the earth
surface. The location of the ambulance is represented as point (x, y co-ordinates) feature on the
road map.

Police/ Transport Authority reports:

When an incident occurs on road network, following information about incident will be recorded
by police authority such as.

Patient details.
Incident type.
Location information.
Hospital to which patient has been transported.

Using these records we can find out where and on which road network accidents occur frequently
and cause of the accident. Transport authorities record the information about the major/minor
road networks such as,

Demographic data
Road network
Speed limits
Length of road segments
Junctions
36
3.1.2.1 Database Design and Analysis

Below figure shows how data is stored in a database and accessed by the emergency service
providers. Database regarding the roads, incidents and facilities are available at police stations,
hospitals and fire stations. In our AMS user interface database is collected from these emergency
service providers (police, fire and hospitals) and from the real-time (GPS/GSM) movement of
ambulances on the road network. When there is a call for service (ambulance) GIS operator at
dispatch centre uses AMS user interface to inform the ambulance regarding the work it has to
perform. This same prototype can be used by the police and fire authorities to perform the
following functionalities.

Find fastest route from nearest police vehicle to crime area and finding the crime occurred
area on the city digital map and also back to nearest police station

Find the fire spot on digital map and allocating the fire vehicles on fastest route to reach
the fire spot.





Figure 3.3: Database use in AMS


Call for service
108 Operator
Dispatch Center







AMS
GPS/GSM
ArcGIS system with
Street Network
Network
Analyst
Database
Fire Station
Database
E-Hospital
Police Station
Database
Database
37
3.1.3 Analysis (GIS/GPS/GSM)

The effective management of ambulance in order to achieve immediate transportation of patients
from incident site to the nearest & appropriate emergency hospital plays a vital role in health
services offered to citizens. An effective routing and districting of ambulances will minimize
their response time and thus improve the way emergency incidents are being handled
[Derekenaris .G 2000]. AMS architecture is an integration of ArcGIS9.1, GPS and GSM
technologies. In Each ambulance a GPS receiver is installed to determine its real-time position (x,
y co-ordinates) based on the signal transmitted by satellite and information will be forwarded to
emergency hospital via GSM modem, this can be achieved by GSM network. Through GSM
network useful data such as route map, directs and voice messages can be transmitted. Each
ambulance is also equipped with a computer or a mobile data terminal (PDA) to display the route
computed by the AMS (Ambulance Management System) operating in the emergency hospital.




Figure 3.5: GIS/GPS/GSM technology

Emergency hospital (base station) will exchange data with the ambulance through the GSM
network [Derekenaris .G 2000]. In the emergency hospital (base station) there will be a computer
dedicated to communicate with the ambulance and other one for the operation of the AMS user
interface.

The primary functions performed by the GIS (AMS) operating in emergency hospital are as
follows [Derekenaris .G 2000].

Finding the site of the incident & ambulance location
Depiction of accident & ambulance on city road map
Choosing the nearest ambulance to handle an emergency incident
38
Routing an ambulance to the incident site and from there to the closest emergency
hospital.
If accident occurs during peak hours ambulance will be directed to fallow the minor &
major road fastest path other than regular fastest path on major roads

One of the most important responsibilities of public safety is efficient and effective emergency
transport and care system. Middle East Technical University (METU) Emergency services,
Ankara Turkey build an immediate, rapid and efficient medical transport system prototype called
AML [Glden et al 2004]. Emergency Hospitals are important as police and fire stations.
Emergency hospitals provide immediate care for victims of sudden and serious injuries. When an
incident occur patient transportation to Emergency hospital seems quite simple. Ambulance
Management System (AMS) preferably combines technology, strategic planning and clinical
proficiency to ensure an immediate efficient response to each and every call for help [Altnta &
Nakil 1997]. In AMS time plays most important role to save human lives.

In AMS for routing, ambulance location is the starting point and nearest hospital is the final
destination respectively. The accident site address, ambulance location, major & minor roads and
hospital location information is co-ordinated to obtain results using the AMS.

.

Figure 3.6: AMS architecture


39
3.1.4 AMS information for decision making

AMS performs chain of events which leads to the intervention of an ambulance to the scene of an
accident. The following four steps are performed by AMS.

(1) Incident location finding
(2) Call screening
(3) Ambulance dispatching
(4) During peak hours, routing of Ambulance

Emergency Number

When you witness an accident at Charminar road and victim is bleeding first you want to help
him and save his life. The first question arises what do you do? first you want to call the
emergency number. Although there are various numbers for different emergency services, but the
number 108 is a centralised one. Let the emergency may be of any kind police, fire and medical
just dial 108. In Hyderabad city emergency service providing company EMRI developed sense-
reach-care paradigm for emergency management [Changavalli Venkat, 2005] on August 15,
2005. The call centre of 108 at Byrraju foundation on Medchal road receives on an average
2,200 calls per day from twin cities.
3.1.4.1 Incident location finding

Most important details about the accident should be confirmed i.e., location and type of crash.
Location is noted relative to street intersections in urban areas and crash refers to head-on, angle,
sideswipe, rear end or other common collisions [Chuck Reider 2006]. One who witnessed the
accidents tells the suitable landmarks to identify the accident location such as identifiable
buildings road turns, road junctions, street name, colony name, etc. These landmarks are used to
identify the accident spot along each road.
3.1.4.2 Call screening

When informer informs accident site information, Ambulance Management System (AMS)
operator will make the address query to find the accident location on the city map. In case if
operator didnt find accident site on city map than AMS operator will call back the informer for
confirming accident site location. If the AMS operator finds the incident site, then he will locate
the ambulance location on the city map using the GPS/GSM.


40


Figure 3.7: If accident site didnt find than

Some examples of call screening methods such as HNIT Limited., one of the leading GIS
consulting in Iceland, joined hands for the development of an emergency response computing
system, which includes computer telephony, RDMS, GIS and different protocols for SMS and
pagers. When anyone needs emergency service just need to dial 112 in Iceland, then the
telephone operators dispatch service from more than 200 different response agencies (fire, police,
and ambulance) across country (GIS for Telecommunication Professionals in Europe 2000).
Each agency also has its emergency number for service. GIS system is used to find the places like
municipalities, streets, postal codes to provide quick service for that area. A telephone switch
electronically identifies the callers automatic identification number and that number is matched
in the Oracle database. The database provides the operator with the callers address and postal
code information is then georeferenced to locate the incident and to determine the appropriate
agency to respond. In moments the operator has all the necessary information to dispatch a
police, fire, medical, or ambulance unit [GIS for Telecommunication Professionals in Europe
2000]. In Europe emergency service is also available where the nearest emergency service
provider is notified by dialling three digits 112 (911 in USA)
3.1.4.3 Ambulance dispatching

Ambulance Management System (AMS) integrates common database operations such as query
and statistical analysis with the unique visualization and geographic analysis benefits offered by
maps [Franklin .C, & 1992, Keenan P. 1998]. AMS has capability to analyze spatial networks; it
is a decision making tool for districting and routing of vehicles. Ambulance management system
(AMS) prototype is the motivated from [Derekenaris .G 2000, Tsai et al. 2002].The AMS
prototype architecture is an integration of GIS, GPS and GSM technologies but the way it deals
with the ambulance routing problem is completely different. In AMS more routing solution
network analysis tools are used to solve the targeted problem. In each ambulance a GPS receiver
is installed to determine its exact position based on the signal transmitted by satellite and a GSM
modem in order to transmit its position to a base station, this can be achieved by GSM network.
The primary functions performed by the AMS [Derekenaris .G 2000].

When call is received
Does accident
site visible
using GIS?
Finding the
ambulance
Call back to
informer
41
Tracing the ambulance positions and hospital location on the city map
Finding the accident site using the road and nearest landmark information
Allocating the nearest ambulance on the fastest route
Fastest routing of a nearest ambulance to the incident site and from there to the closest
emergency hospital.
Incidents data is stored for generation of statistics regarding incidents

Ambulance Management System(AMS) considers these facts and provides fastest routes for the
ambulance (considering congestions)

TRAUMA CARE CONSORTIUM (TCC) is a unique non profit public charitable service and the
first of its kind in India which provides fully equipped ambulances for emergency movement
towards road accident victims to hospitals (Chennai city) [Thirumalaivasan.D & Prof.
Guruswamy .V]. TCC used GIS for finding optimal route of their ambulances based on shortest
travel time. This study concluded that during the emergency situation finding the shortest route
need not be the best route because shortest time is preferred over shortest distance. Shortest time
preferred also when the road width is narrow or more number of signals & turns exist, or higher
volume of traffic and so on. National Center of Immediate Assistance (EKAB) has
[Derekenaris.G 2000] designed GIS subsystem for the ambulance management. The same type of
system like [Derekenaris et al 2000] was proposed by [Tsai et al. 2002] for Atlanta Police
Department in Georgia in order to reduce emergency response time. The research idea of this
system to decrease response time is

Reliable location of vehicles, incidents, hospitals and fire stations.
Integration and collaboration of related agencies.
Fast and related distance and route calculation.

Tsai et al. (2002) includes GIS/GSM/GPS and using Microsofts Access and Visual Basic 6.0
ESRIs MapObjects and NetEngine as back-end and front-end tools for the interface. When an
emergency call is received this system locates the incident site, finding the moving vehicles,
calculating shortest distance from vehicle site incident site. Tsai found that this system is helpful
in reducing response time for police dispatching and tracking system

There are some other research works from where AMS got motivated, in China QTIMP project
was designed, which is mainly based on G3 technique integration. This G3 technique integration
was used to provide safe transportation and maintenance of Qinghai-Tibet Railway [Wang 2004].
G3 was a combination of three technologies such as geographical information system (GIS),
global positioning system (GPS) and global system for mobile communication (GSM). G3 is
used to provide an extremely accurate location tracking system. The telematic system of
automobile is the TCU (Telematics Communications Unit) which is placed on the vehicle is on-
line connected with one of the central service station through radio waves [Bdut Mircea 2004].
This telematic system provides services such as ambulance dispatching in incident situations,
real-time navigation, and traffic information and providing technical support for troubled onboard
cars.
42


Figure 3.8: Telematics Applications [Bdut Mircea 2004]

[Lin et al 2003] proposed G3 system to track low flying aircrafts and vehicles on a digital map in
real-time. This G3 system was a combination of GPS, GIS, and GPRS (which is based on GSM
technology).
3.1.4.4 During peak hours, routing of Ambulance

Most of the Indian cities are facing crucial traffic congestion. Growing traffic and limited road
space have reduced peak-hour speeds to 5-10 kms per hour in the central areas of many major
cities [Singh K. Sanjay 2005]. According to Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) there is
major reduction in motor vehicle speeds. Traffic congestion occurs during peak hours in Indian
cities increases time delay, accidents problem and pollution level. According to the Ministry of
Road Transport & Highway in 2001 about 80000 people were killed in road accidents and 5
percent annually increase in road accidents [Singh K. Sanjay 2005]. In road safety research rapid
response and treatment of road accident victims is of major concern. From the road safety studies
it is recognised that time is a crucial factor in dealing with emergencies resulting from road traffic
accidents [Moore David], it is based on concept of Golden Hour. Time during victims may face
death such as.
Immediate death occurs within seconds after accident.
Late death occur within days or weeks of the accident

AMS is based on the concept of Golden hour, during the peak hour most of the time roads are
congested. AMS consider the congested roads and calculate the fastest route using both major
and minor roads. In the normal situation fastest route is calculated on minor roads. The critical
time elements in emergency are listed in the following [David Moore].

43


Figure 3.9: Critical Time/ Space Elements [Moore David]

Apollo hospital has launched its two-wheeler ambulances aimed at reaching accidents victims in
the golden time (first one hour) or the platinum time (first 10 minutes), which is the most crucial
time that makes the decision of their life or death. This is the only two-wheeler ambulance
[Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited]. These two-wheeler ambulances can travel easily through
congested roads to reach accident sites and play a key role in reducing the number of victims who
die at the accident site because of delay in arrival of ambulances and congested Indian roads.
These two-wheeler ambulances come with in-built splints to immobilize broken bones and
stabilize the cervical spine (the area most susceptible part to injury in a road accident) [Apollo
Hospitals Enterprise Limited].

Apollo hospital can use our Ambulance management system for faster routing of two-wheeler
when roads are congested during peak hours. Because our AMS is designed to find the fastest
route both on major & minor roads, which is more useful for two-wheeler ambulance of Apollo
hospital.
3.2 AMS User interface Development
3.2.1 Mechanism

GIS based Ambulance Management System was developed for routing of ambulances during
accident on road. In this system the main issues were the fastest path, nearest ambulance,
hospitals, identifying the accident location and storing the accident information in the database.
Mechanism involved in the development of AMS is described below.




44
3.2.2 Fastest Path

Using the AMS, GIS operator at the hospital can create the route, which is quickest, shortest or
scenic depending on the constraints. Because the travelling of ambulance to reach the incident in
short duration is important and not the distance, so the constraint is time when the route is the
quickest route. Any speed limit or driving time attribute serves as the impedance when
determining the best route.

Increase in attributes plays no role when computing the solution. For example , if you choose
time as impedance attribute and also want to accumulate distance also an impedance attribute, but
only time attribute is used to optimize the solution

The route analysis layer consists of different components such as.

Stop feature layer(ambulance, accident, hospital)
Barrier feature layer(congested areas where ambulance cant travel)
Route feature layer(generated route from ambulance-accident-hospital)
3.2.3 Nearest closest facility

Using the AMS UI, we can find the closest facilities such as hospitals & ambulances and the
directions of travel towards or away from the city. After finding the best route to or from
ambulance to accident and accident to hospital, it will display directions to travel in direction
window.

Using AMS, when finding facilities (ambulance, hospital), we can give the cut-off value beyond
which AMS should not search for a facility (ambulance, hospital). For example, any hospital that
takes not longer than 15 minutes to reach from incident spot will not be included in the results.

AMS UI allows you to perform multiple closest analyses simultaneously, that means we can have
multiple incidents and find the closest facilities (hospitals, ambulances) to each incident.

The Closest facility analysis layer consist of different components such as

Facilities feature layer(ambulances or hospitals)
Incidents feature(accident spots)
Barrier feature layer(congested areas where ambulance cant travel)
Route feature layer(generated route from ambulance-accident-hospital

3.2.4 Rapid prototyping model for AMS

The desire not to waste of software developers laid to rapid prototyping. The management of
the company decides before the rapid prototype is built that portions may be utilized in the final
GIS interface, provided that thus portions pass the same quality assurance test as the other
software components. AMS rapid prototype model is a working model that is functionally
45
equivalent of a product. The rapid prototyping model of AMS is target to let the clients (Hospital
authorities) to interact with the system and experiment with it. Many of the software developers
use the rapid prototyping model because the rapid prototyping model has been validated by the
client (GIS user) himself. In the AMS prototyping system preliminary working model has been
created that lessen the need to repair the design during or after the implementation of the system.
The main thing is that AMS prototype builds rapidly and, modified rapidly to reflect the GIS
users needed. Thus, speed is the essence of AMS prototype development.



Figure 3.10: Rapid prototyping model of AMS [Schach &Stephen .R 1997]

In rapid prototyping model most of the time, the developer reuse the modules of the previously
successful system. Using the coding and design of previous system, we can save the design and
coding time. In our Ambulance Management System (AMS), we used the modules from the
ArcGIS 9.1, to create our model. Once the AMS prototype is created and tested, then it is
forwarded to operation mode. In operation mode client experiment with the prototype and if the
client is not satisfied than again developer tries to design & code. After refining & testing the
prototype, again client is asked to use it. This rapid prototyping process continues until the client
is satisfied.
3.2.5 Software development for AMS of Hyderabad City

In the development of Ambulance Management System (AMS) following software is used.
ArcGIS version 9.1
ArcGIS extension Network Analyst
Visual Basic 6.0 programming language
Rapid prototype

Verify
Refine prototype

Test
Changed
Requirements

Verify
Opertaion mode
Retirement
Development
Maintenance
46
3.2.5.1 ArcMap 9.1

In ArcGIS Desktop, ArcMap is the central application for all map-based tasks. ArcMap
application is used to perform the following task with geographical data.
To perform analysis
Explore and edit
Create maps, graphs and reports, etc

The ArcMap working model consists of the map display area, table of contents, number of
toolbars and menus for working with map and its attribute data. There are two ways to view map
data in ArcMap.

Geographic data view: Where geographical data is analyzed, symbolized and compiled.

Layout View: Where Geographic data view, data frames are composed onto pages for printing
and publishing.

3.2.5.2 ArcGIS extension Network Analyst

ArcGIS Network Analyst is a powerful extension for routing purpose, and used for making
network-based spatial analysis such as

Point-to-point routing
Drive-time Analysis
Route directions
Shortest path
Optimum route
Origin destination
Closest facility
Service area definition
3.2.5.3 Visual Basic Programming language

Visual basic programming language is an Object-oriented & Event-driven programming
language. Visual basic provides rapid application development (RAD) environment for windows-
based graphical user interface (GUI). In Visual basic programming every event is a method and
controls placed on form are classes. Using Visual basic we can customize ArcGIS9.1 to create
entire custom applications for different GIS analysis. In Visual basic customization of ArcGIS9.1
.dll files are used as ActiveX controls.
3.2.6 AMS user interface flow Chart

The flow of information using the AMS interface in finding the accident location, and fastest
route from nearest ambulance to accident , and fastest route from accident to nearest Hospital.
The condition applies when the accident occurs during peak hours such as fastest routing on both
the major and minor roads.
47


Figure 3.11 AMS flow chart
48

3.2.7 AMS Input Sources

1. Network dataset
2. Roads with one-way
3. Driving speed limit on roads
4. Names of all available roads
5. Emergency Hospitals
6. Real-time Ambulance position
7. Accident on road
8. Topographical map at scale 1:25000 numbered 56-K/ 7 / NE
9. Topographical map at scale 1:25000 numbered 56-K/ 7 / SE
10. Topographical map at scale 1:25000 numbered 56-K/ 7 / NW
11. Topographical map at scale 1:25000 numbered 56-K/ 7 / SW

3.2.8 Themes for Analysis

The different spatial features of Hyderabad city in the form of different themes are added to the
project according to there use. Themes which are used for Ambulance management System
(AMS) are added to the current project. The available themes are as follows.

Road Network with system generated junctions
Emergency hospitals
Ambulances (real-time technology)
Lakes
Rivers
Minor Road Network
Study Area

Themes attribute table is updated using necessary information to be analyzed in the AMS. The
fields (columns) are added to the theme attribute table and entering the required information for
spatial analysis, in their records (rows).
3.2.9 Designed Interface of AMS
3.2.9.1 Menus

To make the Ambulance Management System (AMS) more user-friendly, navigation should be
considered as the most important aspect of the GUI. So menu-bars are added to UI. Menu bar
contains different menus (with common commands) to perform different functionalities on spatial
data. AMS interface menus and their functionalities are described in the table 3.2.



49


Menu
Name
Sub Menu Function
File New
Open
Save
Save As
Add Theme
Print Preview
Print
Map Properties
Exit
Create new
Open the existing data
Save the analysis
Save the analysis with any other name
To add new themes
Print layout of the data
Printing the data
Open the properties of selected feature
To exit
Edit Redo
Undo
Copy
Cut
Paste
Delete
Find
To redo the analysis
To undo the analysis
Copy the selected data
Cut the selected data
Paste the data which is copied or cut
Delete the data
Find a select feature
View Data View
Layout View

Zoom Layout
Toolbars
View for browsing the geographic data on your map
view for exploring, displaying, and querying the
data on your map
To zoom in or out on Layout view
ESRI ArcMap & user defined toolbars
Selection Select by attribute
Select by Location
Select by Graphics
Statistics
Clear Selected Feature
Selection using an attribute query
Selection using an location query
Selection using an graphical feature query
Statistical analysis on attribute data
To clear selection of the selected feature
GPS GPS connection Setup
GPS position Window
Clear Display properties
Auto Pan
Log Setup
Display properties
Setting up the GPS connection
Displaying the GPS position window
Closing the GPS display properties
Pan on the current position
Closing the log setup of GPS
Setting the display properties
Tools Overview
Magnifier
Table of Contents
Graphs
Reports
ArcCatolog
ArcToolBox

To see layer overview
see a magnified view of a small area
To see contents of layers
To create graph from the current layer
To create report from the current layer
To open ArcCatolog
To open ArcToolBox

50
Menu
Name
Sub Menu Function
Network
Analyst
Emergency Locations
New Route
New Facility
New Service Area
New OD Cost Matrix
Options
To find emergency locations & facilities
To find the fastest route
To find the nearest facility
To find the new service areas
To find route between Origin & destination
Other options

Table 3.2: AMS Menus
3.2.9.2 Toolbar

The toolbar consist of number of buttons with icons, clicking on one of these buttons executes a
command or function. Toolbar is graphically related to menu bar. Buttons on toolbar are used to
perform frequently accessed functions. AMS toolbars buttons and their functionalities are
described in below table.

Tool Name Functionality
Zoom in Zoom in by clicking a point or dragging a
box
Zoom Out Zoom out by clicking a point or dragging a
box
Fixed Zoom in Zoom in center of your map
Fixed Zoom out Zoom out center of your map
Pan Pans the map
Full extent Zoom to full extent of the map
Go back to previous extent Go back to previous extent
Go to next extent Go to next extent
Select feature Select the feature by clicking or dragging a
box
Select elements Select elements by clicking
Identity Identifying the feature by clicking
Measure Measure distance on map
Zoom to GPS position Zoom to current GPS position
Pan to GPS position Pan to current GPS position
Hide/Show network analysis window Hide/Show network analysis window
Create Network location To create Network location on Map
Select/Move Network location To Select/Move Network location on Map
Solve To solve network , to form routing
Direction window Window with directions of route
Network identify To identify a network location on road
network
Build network dataset To build the network dataset
Open GPS connection Open GPS connection for update from GPS
51

Tool Name Functionality
Close GPS connection To close the current GPS connection
New fastest route Find the fastest route between locations
New closest facility Find the nearest facility for accident &
route
New Service Area Find the service area
New OD cost matrix Find the route between Origin & destination
using cost attribute
Emergency Locations Loading the emergency & facility sites
Find accident Finding the Incident site
Send Route direction Sending the route & turn window to the
driver
Rotate Rotate the Map
Refresh view Refresh the view to have current view
Table 3.3 AMS Tools
3.2.9.3 Applications of AMS



Figure 3.12 AMS Interface model
52
3.2.10 Database Design of AMS user interface

The Object-oriented design model is good for GIS database but relational database management
system also contains good features. The combination of Object-relational database model makes
things easier to GIS database model [Shekar & Chawla 2003]. Ambulance Management System
(AMS) describes design and implementation of geographic data in an Object/relational database.
This user interface was developed using VB.net programming language. AMS user interface was
developed to show the geographic data and their analysis (finding incident, facilities and fastest
routes). The data stored in the database was accessed by GIS operator at Hospital, who runs AMS
user interface. The ArcGIS uses relational database engine to manage text or numeric data in a
multithreaded environment with a great deal of stability and good performance and supports
object-oriented keywords. The objects were made persistent by using the Object-relational
database management system. Data in database was modelled by points, lines, polylines and
polygons. The aim of our experiment is to show how geographic data is represented, that is used
in a geographic database of our AMS.



Figure 3.13 OOGIS architecture of AMS user interface

Operation Manager




















Modeling Manager Database manager
Geographical Objects
Fuctionality

Menus, Toolbars
Table

Layers, Network L
Classes (AT)

Point, Line, PolyLine
Polygon
Presentation

Layers, Fastest Routes,
and facilities
Operation

Fastest Route analysis
GIS
Database
OMT
Buildings,
Water bodies
Polygons
Roads
Lines
Junctions, Hospitals,
Ambulance, Accident
Points
53
Object: Object is an instance of a class and a self-describing data structure, which is safe and
protected. The Object can be private, public, protected. A real world object is also referred as
entity. The objects interact with each other through messages. In object-oriented system objects
are independent of each other and a change in one object cannot affect another object.

Classes: The class describes the objects (data structures), methods (algorithm) and message
protocols (external interfaces). The class provides the encapsulation mechanism to encapsulate
attributes and methods into a single unit, this provide safe software components and high level of
modularity.

Data collected from transport authorities of Hyderabad city. The AMS prototype was tested using
VB.net Object-oriented language program and Object-relational DBMS on Windows XP. The
VB.net application contains the following modules.

The operational manager
The database server
The interface Manager
The modelling manager

The data types created in the database are similar to the classes implemented in VB.net or Java.
The types, the classes and the tables have a similar description. The data types created in the
database are same that the data types described by the OMT design. With this AMS prototype
interoperability and the data exchange can be improved by this representation of OOGIS.























54
Chapter 4


Usability Test (Evaluation)

A team of five GIS users was formed; these GIS users have good knowledge of analysing the
data and getting results. They were asked to use the Ambulance Management System user
Interface (AMS). The AMS evaluation test was conducted at Linkpings University on Thursday
11th of May 2006 at 4:00 PM. Before starting the testing, AMS is briefly described and its uses
in emergency situations. During the testing each and every GIS user is constantly observed and
how well they were operating the system. The testing of AMS continued till 5:00 pm. After
testing the user interface, questionnaires were distributed for feedback. From the GIS users
feedback it was found that

They were satisfied with the present user interface
Minor changes needed to be done regarding design
This UI will need some changes , when it is implemented in the real-world
Funding will be the difficult task for the whole, considering the study area.
As a whole, methodology is quite good
Lessen the time to reach the accident site to hospital
Model is a really solution for peak hours.

4.1 User Test

GIS user is asked to use the Ambulance management system (AMS) user interface to perform the
following task.

Finding the Accident Location
Finding the ambulance locations in real-time (using GPS)
To solve the fastest route from nearest Ambulance to accident site(during normal and
congested roads)
To solve the fastest route from accident to nearest Hospital (during normal and congested
roads)
Also asked to handle more than one accident situation


4.2 Followed Paradigm

4.2.1 Observations

How well GIS users uses the Ambulance Management System (AMS) user interface to perform
the following needs were observed.
55

Using menus of AMS user was able to select functionalities in solving ambulance routing
problems
Using the tools on toolbar AMS was user able to select frequently used functionalities just
by click on it.
User felt comfortable with advanced networking tools on toolbar for solving routing
problems
After solving routing problem user able see a magnified view of a small area more clearly
Results obtained finally by clicking route solve function than send forward by clicking
send route direction button on toolbar

The observations made during the testing were noted down to make changes in the UI.

5.2.2 Interviews

During the testing each GIS user is interviewed regarding the AMS UI performance. After
completion of the testing all the GIS users were interviewed together regarding the usage and
design.

How is the design?
Whether the Interface is performing all the functions which it is meant to perform?
Is there any error during the Testing?
Any future advances required?
5.2.3 Questionnaires

Questionnaires were distributed to GIS users after completing the test; questionnaires consist of
ten questions, primarily regarding the usage and performance of the AMS UI.

User Feedback for AMS
3
4
3
3
5
4
Performace
Interactivity
GIS Role
GPS/GSM
Output
Future Usage


Figure 4.1: Result from Evaluation
56

The figure 4.1 shows the feedback from the GIS-users. The feedback was taken in terms of six
parameters i.e. performance, interactivity, GIS role, GPS/GSM, Output and Future Usage. The
graph describes that most of the GIS-users had positive response for Ambulance Management
System (AMS) user interface. Three users appreciated the performance of the application, while
the interactive interface design appealed to 4 users; 3 users supported and appreciated the use of
GIS, GPS and GSM technologies used in the model. All of the users were satisfied by the results
obtained by the system. 4 users gave a positive reply on implementing the model in future for a
real time scenario. There were some suggestions to eliminate few errors identified by the users
and improve the interface.





































57

Chapter 5

Results

Creating a network dataset in ArcGIS 9.1 Network analyst tool enables us to perform network
analysis. Network dataset is a type of network data which is specially needed for network
analysis.

Using the AMS UI Create Network dataset tool we create network dataset using road Network
shape file (polyline). The network dataset which has been created consist of three layers
Road segments as polyline feature (edges)
Junctions as point feature(system generated junctions)
Road Network itself

1) After creation of network dataset following spatial features are added to the ArcMap.
Network dataset (junctions, edges)
Accident location (which is known from a informer located using the nearest landmark)
Ambulance location is located on the road network using the GPS (ArcGIS9.1 extension
Tracking Analyst)
All emergency hospital which are available are added

























58

1) Using the AMS UI to identify the accident on the road network.



Figure 5.1: To identify the accident














59

2) Using the AMS UI to identify the ambulance locations on the road network in real-
time using GPS/GSM coordinates.



Figure 5.2: To identify the ambulance locations














60

3) Using the AMS UI (Route analysis), we have analysed the fastest routes through
which all the ambulances can reach the accident occurred site.



Figure 5.3: To identify fastest route from all ambulances to accident site














61

4) Using the AMS UI (Closest facility analysis), we have found the ambulance which
can fastly reach the accident site as compared other ambulances is analysed.



Figure 5.4: To identify fastest routing ambulance to the accident














62

5) Using the AMS UI (closest facility analysis), we have found all hospital (facilities)
and analysed the fastest route from the accident occurred site to hospital.



Figure 5.5: To identify fastest route to the hospital













63
6) Where more than one accident occurrs on the road network, using the AMS UI
(closest facility analysis), we have analysed the fastest routes through which
ambulances can travel to reach all the accidents



Figure 5.6: Multiple accidents Scenario I














64
7) Using the AMS UI (closest facility analysis), we have analysed the fastest routes from
all the accidents; travel to reach the hospital immediately.



Figure 5.7: Multiple accidents Scenario II














65
8) During the peak hours since the routes are congested, ambulances are allowed travel
through both the major and minor roads.



Figure 5.8: During peak hours situation I

66


Figure 5.9: During peak hours situation II

67


Figure 5.10: During peak hours situation III

68


Figure 5.11: During peak hours situation IV

69


Figure 5.12: During peak hours situation V


















70
Chapter 6

Discussion
6.1 Conclusion

Indian population and thereby the vehicles are increasing at the same time causing congestion on
road networks. AMS is designed by analyzing the ground situation of Hyderabad city, for
example the problems faced by the inhabitants while travelling on the road network. Especially
the problems faced by the emergency service providers like hospitals during transport of a
patient. Ambulance management system (AMS) plays a significant role in solving routing
problem of an ambulance on the Hyderabad road network when need arises to transport a patient
to the nearest hospital. Our AMS significantly solve ambulance problem like fastest routing of an
ambulance using GPS/GSM. AMS also analyzes roads interrupted by the congestion and other
activities during peak hours and calculates the fastest route. AMS is capable of handling multi-
accident situation.

It is found how well the interagation of GPS/GSM will be used to find the real-time position of
an ambulance on Hyderabad road network. This position information will be spatially analysed
using GIS. Andhra Pradesh state government policy towards adopting positioning technologies is
at the beginning stage but soon it will adopt fully. Now a days GSM is used by everyone in India
for mobile communication system and used to show the current area location of a user on the
display screen. At the same time GPS needs some more time to get established in the Indian
market. For implementation of our Ambulance Management system it should get approved by the
higher authorities. This integration of GIS/GPS/GSM of ambulance management needs to be
funded by Andhra Pradesh state government.

In this thesis every corner of the AMS system shows without GIS, we cannot analyze the
problems faced by the ambulance on the road network. GIS-network analyst tools are used in our
AMS to solve problems faced by ambulance and at the same time using the real-time location
information from GPS/GSM. This thesis shows that how well GIS-based AMS will be used to
send the routing information to the ambulance driver in real-time. This GIS/GPS/GSM integrated
system can be used by other emergency service providers such as police and fire stations to locate
their vehicles in densely congested roads. From result we have concluded that this prototype is
working well but need further changes after getting into implementation stage in real world. This
prototype is evaluated by the GIS-users and concluded that it is very useful for faster
transportation of a vehicle considering the real ground situation but also there were some
comments on making it further effective by implementing it. Last but not the least, this AMS is
useful in faster transport of an accident patient to nearest hospital.


71


6.2 Future Work

For faster identification of accident site, we need more detailed database of the landmarks and
also more detailed Major & minor roads. To have more detailed database & digital map, we need
funding from the Andhra Pradesh government. Andhra Pradesh government is planning make
more detailed geodatabase of the Hyderabad city; it will come be prepared in the middle of 2007.

AMS is very useful in solving ambulance routing problems, in future it can also be used by
emergency service providers. This same prototype can be used by the police and fire authorities
to perform the following functionalities.

Find nearest and fastest route from police vehicle to the crime occurred area and also
helpful in finding the crime occurred area on the city digital map. Also back to nearest
Police station

Find the fire spot on digital map and allocating the fire vehicles on fastest route to reach
the fire spot.

This AMS system can be implemented in all other cities of Andhra Pradesh, if the detailed
geodatabase of every city is available. Hyderabad is a hub of IT Industry and will be the GIS-
based city in upcoming year. In future this same type of technology can be implemented in the
railways for safe transportation. G3 (Geographical information system, Global positioning system
and GSM) integrated technology can be used by Indian railway network to meet the following
demands.

A system for displaying the information
A system for locating the position of a vehicle
A system for transmitting the information to a control













72

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Appendix



User Feedback Questionnaire AMS

1) Are you able to find the accident site on Hyderabad city road network using AMS user interface?

2) Are you flexible with AMS user interface tools in making analysis?

3) What do you say about menus is sufficient for ambulance management?

4) What do you think about routing tools of Ambulance management system user interface?

5) Is the available data necessary for analyzing the road networks for routing?

6) Is Ambulance management system (AMS) user interface a real solution for handling peak hours?

7) Are you able to perform fastest routing on road networks using Ambulance management system
user interface?

8) Are you satisfied from the results of Ambulance management system?

9) As whole what do you think about its implementation on Hyderabad city?

10) Is this interface solving routing problem?