Optimizing Snow Plowing Operations in Urban Road Networks.

摘要

The authors goal is to develop a dynamic snow plow routing system, capable of generating near-optimal plowing plans that fit current operational constraints and reactively maintaining them through execution as unexpected events force changes. The overall concept of operations for the envisioned system is summarized in Figure 1. Prior to execution, relevant map data and plowing constraints are imported, along with current information of the availability and locations of snow plowing assets, and a storm specific plowing plan is generated. If available, a default plowing plan may also be imported and customized to fit the current operational constraints. Once the plowing plan is generated, routes are communicated to each vehicle and turn-by-turn instructions are presented to each drive through an on-board navigation app. In the event that unexpected problems are encountered during execution of a route, the disruptive event is communicated by to the dynamic planner, and the route is revised (in real-time) to circumvent or otherwise overcome the disruptive event.