Abstract： Security of hazardous materials (HAZMAT)shipments is a growing concern for government and carriers. This paper proposedan integrated dispatching decision platform for solving HAZMAT transportationas a global solution of the problem. The platform take advantage of thetechnique of Geographic Information System (GIS), Global Position System ( GPS), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and their integration. The platform canimplement multipurpose function such as optimal routes plan, locating theincident site, transportation monitoring, incident processing, informationsharing. Therefore, the platform provides a feasible technology framework foreffective HAZMAT transportation management.
Keywords： HAZMAT, GIS/GPS/GPRS,Transportation management, Decision Support Platform
1.INTRODUCTION
Hazardousmaterial(hazmat) are generally substances requiredfor industrial production or byproduct of the same. Large quantities ofHAZMAT are shipped on china roadwaysevery day. HAZMAT transportation has been received considerable attention,mainly due to growing safety concerns in most developed and developingcountries. For example, an accident involving a gasoline truck can result in amajor fire on a roadway and risk the lives of many people.
The remainderof this paper is organized as follows.First. a brief literature reviewhighlights the main issues associated with HAZMAT transportation. Then, the .mainframeof our problem is designed based on the GIS/GPS/GPRS integrated technology. Thethird section is devoted to a practical case study. The last section finallyprovides our concluding remarks.