Background

Current Version: National ITS Architecture Version 7.0

The National ITS Architecture website has been updated with new features that enhance the architecture definition and provide new features to support how the architecture is used to support transportation planning. The principal changes include a new layout to provide better access to all of the architecture content, a new planning view of the architecture, and support for research and other initiatives like Active Traffic Management (ATM), connected vehicle services, Commercial Vehicle Operations (CVO), and Road User Pricing. Version 7.0 is also synchronized with the ITS Architecture for Canada.

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Deployment Support

Turbo Architecture Version 5.0 (version 7 coming soon)

Turbo Architecture, currently at Version 5.0, available by free download, is compatible with the previous version of the National ITS Architecture, Version 6.1. Turbo is a software application that supports development of regional and project ITS architectures using the National ITS Architecture as a starting point. Turbo Architecture Version 5.0 can still be used to develop regional ITS Architectures even though it will not be using the National ITS Architecture Version 7.0. Turbo Architecture 5.0 is currently being updated to support National ITS Architecture Version 7.0. Turbo Version 5.0 includes a host of new features and capabilities.

This update provides:

• Regional ITS Architecture Document Generation: Automatically publish a Microsoft Word document that addresses the FHWA Final Rule/FTA Policy.
• Support Planning: Use the new Planning Tab to connect your architectures with your long range transportation plan and other strategic planning documents.
• Create Tabular Outputs: Export Turbo Architecture outputs such as stakeholders, inventory, and market packages as Microsoft Word tables and Excel worksheets.
• Spell Check: Check the spelling of the text you enter in Turbo.

Turbo Architecture includes a Conversion facility that supports quick and easy conversion of existing Turbo databases, providing a convenient migration path for existing Turbo users.

Turbo Version 7.0 will be available by March 2012 and will be compatible with the National ITS Architecture Version 7.0. With this update and moving forward, Turbo Architecture’s version numbering will be in alignment with the version numbering of the National ITS Architecture.

• Turbo Architecture Web Site

Border Information Flow Architecture

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (Office of Freight Management and Operations) and Transport Canada, in partnership with state and provincial transportation organizations, regional planning organizations, and other federal agencies, developed a Border Information Flow Architecture (BIFA). BIFA supports the planning, development, and implementation of ITS and other technology-based solutions at the U.S.-Canada border. The process to develop BIFA was similar to the one used to develop regional ITS architectures. To learn more, visit the following web sites:

• BIFA Web Site for Architecture Content
• Office of Freight Management and Operations' BIFA Program Description Page

Deployment Support

The National ITS Architecture Program provides support for the deployment of ITS using ITS architecture in planning and project development activities through workshops, guidance materials, and technical support. These resources are available through the FHWA Division Office in each state. The workshops offered are instructor-led and on-line versions are being developed for future release. The guidance materials cover regional ITS architecture development, use and maintenance as well as the application of systems engineering to ITS project development. The technical support services include support for issues stakeholders are encountering with architecture or systems engineering implementation and ITS architecture reviews to provide feedback on areas for improvement.

• Workshops
• Systems Engineering for ITS (2-day)
• Quick-Starting Your Regional ITS Architecture Update Workshop
• Guidance Materials
• Regional ITS Architecture Guidance document (EDL #114317) [HTML, PDF 6.9MB]
• Systems Engineering for ITS Handbook [HTML, PDF]
• Systems Engineering Guidebook for ITS [HTML, PDF]
• Technical Support
• ITS Architecture Reviews
• Architecture Technical Support
• ITS Architecture Implementation Program
• Reference Materials
• Publications

Links

• FHWA Office of Operations ITS Deployment Support
• ITS America
• ITS Standards
• National ITS Architecture is now on LinkedIn

Contact

Steve Sill is the Program Manager for development of the National ITS Architecture, and has primary responsibility for managing all architecture maintenance, evolutionary changes, deployment support, and follow-up activities in this area.

Steve Sill
Program Manager, Vehicle Safety Technology, ITS Architecture and Standards
Research and Innovative Technology Administration
ITS Joint Program Office
(202) 366-1603
steve.sill@dot.gov