TRANSPORT
SYSTEMS
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GMTU supports the work of the Unit and its clients by providing a comprehensive service of computer systems development and maintenance. This covers three main areas.

Software Development
We provide software consultancy and development services to the Unit and other clients through our GMSoftware ‘brand’ . The principal focus is on the development of systems to capture, validate, store and interrogate transport-related data. The main development platforms are Microsoft Office applications and MapInfo (a geographical information system). In the medium term we will replace these by the .NET framework. Our systems include:

  • GMAXI – validates and stores road traffic accident data and provides a map-based system to interrogate the data
  • GMCOUNTS – provides a map-based system to display and analyse traffic count
  • GMTIMES – validates and stores journey time data and provides a map-based system to analyse the data.

We also develop and maintain UNIX-based FORTRAN programs to support the work of the Unit. In addition we provide a number of web-based mapping applications for use by local authority transport professionals and the general public.

Strategic Modelling Support
We support our Transport Planning Services through the development and maintenance of:

  • the Greater Manchester Network Information System, which is used to build highway networks for the GM SATURN Model
  • networks and trip matrices for ‘standard’ forecast years
  • systems to process travel survey information and undertake model validation systems to interface with the Unit’s models (START/DELTA, TRIPS, SATURN and PARAMICS)

Hardware and Software Support
We have several UNIX and Linux servers, with backup devices, serving over 60 PCs. These are linked by Ethernet and to Manchester City Council’s network. A bank of modems and a terminal server allow Districts and other clients access to the our servers and databases.

Contacts for the Systems Group are:

  • Barry Weston - Group Leader - 0161 455 2032 - email address
  • Ian Hull - Team Leader, Systems - 0161 455 2059 - email address
  • Tony Morris - Team Leader, Model Development - 0161 455 2132 - email address

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