GeoDecisions’ President Testifies Before U.S. Congress on Intelligent Transportation Systems and Homeland Security
Robert Scaer, Presdient of GeoDecisions, Testifies Before U.S. Congress on Intelligent Transportation Systems and Homeland Security
September 19, 2002/Washington, D.C.: Robert M. Scaer, president of GeoDecisions, a software-independent spatial information technology company, testified on intelligent transportation systems (ITS), homeland security, and the reauthorization of the transportation bill before the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on September 10, 2002.
Scaer, a member of the 15-member ITS Congressional Caucus Advisory Board, presented testimony on the application and benefits of the Intelligent Road and Rail Information Server (IRRIS) in providing solutions for ITS and homeland security. Developed by GeoDecisions, IRRIS is a revolutionary Web-based system that combines the latest advances in information technology, geographic information systems (GIS), and location-based services to provide a tool for real-time tracking, monitoring, and routing of people, cargo, and equipment.
“There is a real need for a uniform, effective information management tool to assist federal, state, and local government agencies to manage the United State’s transportation infrastructure,” Scaer said. “With the increased threat of terrorism, these tools also need to provide decision makers with the capability to enhance the security of our critical infrastructure through real-time information. In the event of an emergency, IRRIS provides agencies with the ability to react immediately with a coordinated emergency response and evacuation plan to maximize public safety. IRRIS’ GIS capabilities provide a common operating picture necessary for homeland security.”
In closing, Scaer urged the U.S. Congress to include funding “for research, deployment, and integration of spatial information technology in our nation’s transportation – highways, rail, seaports, and air – infrastructure in the reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the Twenty-First Century (TEA-21).”
The ITS Congressional Caucus voiced concerns about traffic gridlock, homeland security, and improved performance and efficiency of transportation infrastructure. Congressman Michael Honda (D-CA) expressed a strong interest in GeoDecisions’ request for increased funding of IRRIS in TEA-21. Under the $218 billion TEA-21 legislation, the U.S. Congress authorized $1.28 billion for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).
GeoDecisions’ experienced staff of professional consultants, analysts, and developers supports clients across the United States. Fundamental to the company’s award-winning approach is the integration of spatial information to empower existing systems and processes. GeoDecisions’ philosophy is based on an enterprisewide approach to the integration of diverse information technologies, data formats, and systems.
GeoDecisions is ISO 9001:2000 certified for its operations nationwide.