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Routing with OS MasterMap Integrated Transport Network data

In OS MasterMap® Integrated Transport Network™ (ITN) Layer, Road Network and Urban Paths data is provided in topologically structured link and node formats. The links represent linear features in the networks, such as a section of road or path, and nodes represent the geographic location where two or more links intersect or join. The intersection of the each link with other links at the same point establishes a connection between the links and provides the structure to support navigation across features in the road and path networks.

Case Studies

Although it is possible to use this connectivity to identify the shortest route from one end of Great Britain to the other, this link and node data structure alone doesn't take into consideration the many local environmental factors and restrictions that exist on both networks – restrictions such as one-way streets, bus lanes and traffic management measures. This additional information is provided in the form of Road and Path Routing Information (RRI and PRI).

RRI and PRI describe any conditions about the road or path network that may affect a driver's or pedestrian's choice of route. This route information is supplied with ITN as a combination of route information features, providing the geographic location of the information, and route 'qualifiers' (attribution) that provide the what, when, and who information for that location.

Environmental qualifier sign
environmentQualifier
Instruction = No Turn		 The what information is provided in the form of environmental qualifiers. These qualifiers describe the nature of the routing information such as one-way streets, level-crossings, bridge heights or traffic calming measures.

 

In this first example, the RRI feature indicates 'No Entry' to a local side street known as Waldron's Yard.

Environ qualifier selected attributes

Note: The attribute names shown here may not match the names assigned to the ITN data by your application software.

 

dateTimeQualifier

specifiedTime

startTime = 08:00

endTime = 20:00

 

The when information, identifying the time slots when the routing information applies, is provided in the form of date and time qualifiers. For example, seasonal road closures or part-time bus lanes that are only in operation during certain hours of the day

 

Vehicle qualifier sign

vehicleQualifier

type(exceptFor = True = Buses

use (exceptFor = True) = Taxis

use (exceptFor = True) = Permit Holders

 The who information, describing the types of vehicles or pedestrians affected by the routing information, is provided in the form of vehicular qualifiers. Examples of vehicular qualifiers include a section of road for buses only or a path that is unsuitable for wheelchair access.

 

 

The following picture illustrates a scenario where both entrances to a section of private road off Northolt Road have an RRI feature indicating access to the road is restricted to buses only.

Vehicle qualifier selected attributes

For more information on how RRI and PRI are modelling in ITN data, see our web page on working with ITN RRI and PRI.


Case Studies

A number of case studies on our web site also illustrate some of the applications and services that have been developed based on ITN route information. These case studies include:

Scottish Ambulance Service  – working with ITN and routing information to deploy ambulances, quickly and safely, to the emergency incident via the best possible route.

London borough of Harrow – using ITN route information data to support an online citizens’ data portal which, amongst other services, directs residents to local facilities and community centres, and helps to schedule the assignment of maintenance crews to deal with reported incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Transport Direct – using ITN route information to provide a door-to-door journey planner for the public transport networks.

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For general enquiries, complaints, feedback or suggestions, email: customerservices@ordnancesurvey.co.uk or call us on 08456 05 05 05