ambulace information system

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEOMATICS AND GEOSCIENCES

Volume 2, No 1, 2011

© Copyright 2010 All rights reserved Integrated Publishing services

Review article ISSN 0976 – 4380

Submitted on September 2011 published on November 2011 147

Development of Route Information System for Ambulance Services using

GPS and GIS – A study on Thanjavur town Rajesh Kumar V

1, Benedict P

2

1- Principal and Professor in Civil Engineering, Parisutham Institute of Technology and

Science, Thanjavur

2- Engineer, S.V Associates, Thanjavur

[email protected]

ABSTRACT

The improving technologies in this modern world proportion the carelessness of the people in

many ways, highlighting the traffic system. The public or ambulance service does not know

the nearby location and the level of services provided by the hospitals. The lack of such

information may cause several causalities. Hence, the research question arises in a way to

answer how to transport patients in the safest and convenient manner. So, ambulance routing

and finding feasible path for safe transportation are the probable necessities to avoid traffic

and path constraints. The ambulance service, the exemplary gift showered by the nature, to

save life, is found handicapped in the present existing condition. Since the urbanization

processes hats off in each and every part of the world, the distribution of the shelter for the

mankind is very complex. This reflects with the inability of the ambulance driver to reach the

spot on time. To avoid these negative conditions, GPS & GIS technologies are used to

maintain the objectives of the ambulance system, as presented in this article. A pilot study

has been carried out with the road routes, of about 80 km in the enclosed area that extends

between 10°44’15. 266’’and 10°48’6. 458’’N latitudes and 79°5’57. 656’’and 79°9’8. 669’’E

longitudes of thanjavur town, a high population density region extending its suburban limits

day by day. The base map of the road routes in the study area was prepared from google earth

supplemented with ground truth information. The spatial data for geo-referencing the

prepared map was acquired by a handheld GPS (Trimble). The GIS software was used

(ArcGIS 8.1.1 version) in linking the spatial data with attributes like ambulance spots and

other places to reach, the ambulance is proposed to move and length of the roads (for drivers

to reach the destination on time). Subsequently, training has been given to the ambulance

driver on the approach developed and the drivers applauded the same.

Keywords: Road routes, GIS, GPS, Information system, Ambulance services.

1. Introduction

People make the world dynamic and accelerating in every aspects of their life. This precious

life, when endangered, needs ambulance services to regain its value. Value of life of people

cannot be defined but carelessness of people proves that life losses its value through accidents

and improper utilization of resources. Nowadays, Traffic problems are increasing in a rapid

way. Especially in India, where the travel demand and the travel density are high, traffic is

creating many problems. Traffic problems include traffic congestions, traffic jams, delay in

travel time, etc. The main causes for this are the rapid increase in population, lack in

awareness of traffic rules by the general public, no strict implementation of rules, etc. Guided

by vision to save more lives, the technology synchronizes with a comprehensive emergency

service.

Development of Route Information System for Ambulance Services using GPS and GIS

Rajesh Kumar V, Benedict P

International Journal of Geomatics and Geosciences

Volume 2 Issue 1, 2011 148

American army officers started the first ambulance service, Buick hearse in America during

1928. All existing emergency service numbers in the Tamilnadu state will eventually be

integrated with the 108 services, which will provide an ambulance within 20 minutes of a

call. Even the police are expected to respond to accidents, fires and criminal attacks within 20

minutes. More severity is perceived by ambulance services. The traffic jam, and traffic

volume are unavoidable but a different solution can be crafted for emergency service (108),

which forms the basis of human life, met with life problems. An integrated services call

center being set up in Chennai will answer the emergency calls. The number would be

accessible from a landline or a mobile phone. The Tamilnadu state has 198 ambulances at a

cost of Rs.170 million, each equipped with a trained paramedic and driver. They are linked to

the EMRI call center where a doctor guides patient-care until he/she reaches hospital.

Ambulance services are mainly meant for life saving through transportation. Unfortunately,

in present condition utilization of available mechanism and technology on any emergency

services are low. Road accidents and other emergency need for ambulance services, which

“mostly” reassures life but now-a-days “rarely” substitutes “mostly”. The reason lies with the

improper planning and void of spatial information system are continuously.

2. GPS and GIS

GPS (Global Positioning System) is an instrument for acquiring spatial data like latitudes,

longitudes and elevation above Mean sea Level. GIS (Geographic Information System) is

software used for linking spatial and non-spatial data (attributes). GIS links the spatial data

with attributes to let know the people, where they are and makes them to feel the earth, which

the other software products available founds to be handicapped. GIS is unique of its kind in

development of information system. GIS is capable of handing voluminous data. Database

management system is the essential mandatory need for human life, what so ever the

advancements may be. GPS and GIS are proven to be the best solutions for development of

spatial information system. Trimble GPS and ArcMap 8.1.1 were used for the study.

3. Route Information

The fastest world is attributed with exponential increase in static and dynamic population,

more number of vehicles, and accidents. The people are willing to make the fastest journey in

this fastest world. Route information is one of the most needed applications within

emergency transportation, for obvious reasons. Roads are part of the infrastructure that makes

up the spinal cord of modern society, but roads can just as easily turn into bottlenecks.

The ambulance services (108) are one of the best systems for to save the human life. Any

ambulance vehicles is interested in determining the best route is the best to follow as means

to save time. The traveling time of ambulance is varying, since the ambulance driver does not

know the route for the accident spots. This will increase the travel time of ambulance. This

study aims at creating route information system using the advanced techniques of GPS and

GIS. The route information will provide the guidelines for the ambulance driver to proceed

with (the usage of the system needs to be explained to the driver). However, some

experienced drivers may not take the same route as the system calculates but for

inexperienced drivers, the system provides much help.

The road routes between the extents of 10°44’15.266” - 10°48’6.458”N latitudes and

79°5’57.656” - 79°9’8.669”E longitudes from Thanjavur new bus stand, of about 80 km,

enclosed between medical college, round about at thanjavur- pudukottai junction, round

about at villar and karanthai with 25 km periphery were considered for study. The area has an





average elevation of 57 meters above mean sea level. The ambulance service (108) is

available in new bus stand of thanjavur. It covers about 20km2 of surrounding areas from the

center of the town. These services are working effectively and efficiently in proposed areas.

3.1 Related works

Various researches and studies have been carried throughout the world regarding

development of Information system using GIS during years. Some of the literatures referred

for the study and considered as prime importance has been highlighted.

Khali et al., (2007) have developed a method for identifying vehicles electronically, in USA.

Mueller et al., (2007) have developed a system for intelligent monitoring and adaptive

competence assignment for driver and vehicles in Turkey. Preeti et al., (2007) have created a

Vision Based Approach for intelligent monitoring system for driver’s alertness. Andre et al.,

(2004) developed the network of urban buses for environmental purposes using GIS. Delavar

et al., (2004) determined an approach for finding optimal urban routes based on genetic

algorithms using GIS. Mintsis et al., (2004) used GPS technology for land transportation

system. Corberan et al., (2002) have applied heuristic solutions to the problem of routing

school buses with multiple objectives. Larsen et al., (2002) have developed models and

algorithms for partially dynamic vehicle routing. Cheng et al., (2001) used GIS for the

automating utility route design and planning. Derekanaris et al., (2001) integrated GIS, GPS

and GSM technologies for the effective management of ambulances. Lazar et al., (2001) have

devised a methodology for evaluation of school bus routing through a case study of riverdale

in New Jersey.

4. Data Collection

The data collected were of two categories such as spatial data and non-spatial data. The

spatial data like latitudes and longitudes of various well known and well defined points (65

Nos) like road intersections, temples, buildings available in New bus stand of Thanjavur and

Medical etc., were acquired with help of Thanjavur town map and GPS. The points were

selected in such a way that they are scattered throughout the study area and was used for geo-

referencing process. The non-spatial data (called as attribute data) such as type of road, usage

of roads, quality of roads, name of the streets and spots, hospitals available in the area, etc.,

were collected in person with the help of google earth map, GPS and the known personalities

available in the spots/streets.

4.1 Methods Used

The basic requirements were limited to the details of hospitals and streets available in the

study area by creating a database for storing all the details such as name and location of the

surrounding streets. The spatial data such as latitudes and longitudes for the study area was

acquired using GPS. These details were incorporated into the google earth maps using the

ARCMAP software and geo-referencing was done to bring the map into real world. The

accuracy of geo-referencing was assessed using Root mean square error calculated by the

system. Digitization of the streets and roads available in the study area was done using

ArcMap software with the help of google earth image downloaded from internet. The roads

(mostly used routes from start point to destination were collected in person) were mapped

using vector lines and stored in the line shape file created using Arc catalogue of GIS

software. The other data attributed such as names of spots and the routes showing spots from

ambulance points, routes showing the medical college from accident spots were collected in





person. The lengths of the routes were measured using the measuring tools available in GIS

so as to enable the driver to calculate the approximate time to reach the spot. These attributes

were added through the attribute table using ArcMap for the concerned routes. Each route

from ambulance point to accident spot was identified and copied using copy command and

was saved in a new line shape file. The attributes corresponding to the line attribute table of

the new route map (shape file) created. Similar steps have been followed to identify the

routes from accident spots to medical college and added is new shape file. This enables the

user to identify the routes they need to go with using the steps of select by attributes (from

selection menu of ArcMap), selecting the name of the spot and clicking OK. This will

highlight the route selected and for clear view, the part highlighted is to be zoomed higher so

that the spots to be passed to reach the destination will be clearly seen.

4.2 Usage of the Procedure

The routes were identified between 79°5’57.656” E - 79°9’8.669”E longitudes and

10°44’15.266”N - 10°48’6.458”N latitudes Covering a total length of 80 km. This map

includes names of all the spots enclosed in the study area; inter connected routes, lengths of

the routes (as calculated from the measurement tools of GIS software), the routes from the

ambulance waiting point (New bus stand) to each spot (140 Nos) and the routes from the

(accident) spots to medical.

The steps of the procedure to be followed by the ambulance driver are demonstrated in the

figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 for a route from ambulance start point (New bus stand) to New

housing unit 1st street.

The pull down menu of selection tool available in ArcMap is selected and the option select

By Attributes should be clicked as shown in figure 1. Then the attribute route, New housing

unit 1st street is to be selected as shown in figure 2. The route corresponding to the selected

option will be highlighted as shown in figure 3. Since the limits of the map are larger, the

area including the highlighted routes is zoomed higher (figure4) to see the clear view of spots

that are to be covered to reach the destination (accident spots) as shown in figure 5.

Similar procedure for the steps from sixth to tenth is to be followed by the drivers to take the

patients from the accident spots to medical. The medical (hospital) is selected based on the

survey that more than 70 % of the patients were taken to medical.

The similar procedures can be followed for all the 280 routes (140 + 140) created from

ambulance start point to accident spot and accident spot to medical. Unless the

implementation of these types of technologies is not done, the exact methods on how to save

life through this cannot be achieved. However, more usage of this information system surely

benefits life saving of more people in reality.





Figure 1: First step of the procedure for the user to proceed with. The “Select By Attributes”

icon from the “Selection” menu of the ArcMap GIS software is selected





Figure 2: Second step of the procedure for the user to proceed with.

New selection is made by double clicking the “Route” as shown. The attribute spot ‘New

Housing Unit’ is selected for illustrating the procedure to be followed.





Figure 3: Third step of the procedure for the user to proceed with.

The route from Ambulance start point to New Housing Unit, to which the ambulance needs to

move, is highlighted as shown, as soon as attribute is selected

5. Conclusions

The procedure developed for route information system using GIS involves spatial data.

Hence, the updation of the new routes will be easy in future and also voluminous data can be

stored. This system is not attributed with shortest path and so the consumption of fuel may

not be optimum. Even then, the lives are given more priority in substitute of such options.

The ambulance drivers of thanjavur hospitals applaud the procedure and hence the module is

user friendly (A request from drivers to impart a short term training on the usage of

procedure).





5.1 Limitations

The procedure developed for route identifications for Thanjavur town can be extended to big

cities and rural areas, where ambulance drivers may not find the path to be followed to reach

the accident spots. Even though the procedure developed is efficient compared to the

procedures followed now, the road conditions, the shortest paths, traffic volumes, traffic

signals etc., are not considered in this project due to the time constrains. If these factors are

supplemented in this study, this will be the excellent solution for the present situations.

Figure 4: Fourth step of the procedure for the user to proceed with.

The route pertaining to the selected destination (New Housing unit) is highlighted, in light

blue colour, as shown. The details of the spots to be passed to reach the destination are not

clear within the limits of the map. The box selected, shown in black colour including the

selected route is zoomed higher to get clarity.





Figure 5: Fifth step of the procedure for the user to proceed with.

The zoomed route pertaining to the selected destination highlighted in light blue colour is

seen with better clarity, showing all the spots such as starting from new bus stand, passing

through Sarafogi College and Elisa Nagar to reach the destination (New Housing Unit).





Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to the drivers Mr. G. Anthony Raj of Thanjai ambulance and Mr. S.

Vijaya Baskar of 108-ambulance service for using the system with a lot of patience and

giving excellent feedback on the procedure developed.

6. References

1. Andre, M., and Villanova, A (2004), “Characterisation of an urban bus network for

environmental purposes”. Science of the Total Environment, 334-335, pp 85-99.

2. Cheng, M.Y., and Chang, G.L (2001), “Automating Utility Route Design and

Planning Through GIS”. Automation in Construction, 10(4), pp 507-516.

3. Corberan, A., Fernandez, E., Laguna, M., and Marti, R (2002), “Heuristic solutions to

the problem of routing school buses with multiple objectives”. Journal of the

Operational Research Society, 53(4), pp 427-435.

4. Delavar, M. R., Samadzadegan, F., Pahlavani, P (2004), “A GIS Assisted Optimal

Urban Route Finding Approach Based On Genetic Algorithms”. International

archives of photogrammetry remote sensing and spatial information sciences, 35(2),

pp 305-308.

5. Derekenaris, G., Garofalakis, J., Makris, C., Prentzas, J., Sioutas, S., and Tsakalidis,

A (2001), “Integrating GIS, GPS and GSM Technologies for the Effective

Management of Ambulances”. Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, 25(3),

pp 267-278.

6. Khali, P., Walton, M. C., and Hussain, S (2007), “Electronic Vehicle Identification:

Industry Standards, Performance, and Privacy Issues”,http:// www.utexas.edu/

research/ctr/pdf_reports/ 0_5217_P2.pdf.

7. Larsen, A., Madsen, O.B.G., and Solomon, M (2002), “Partially Dynamic Vehicle

Routing – Models and Algorithms”. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 38,

pp 637-646.

8. Mintsis, G., Basbas, S., Papaioannou, P., Taxiltaris, C., and Tziavos, N (2004),

“Applications of GPS technology in the land transportation system”. European journal

of operational Research, 152, pp 399–409.

9. Preeti, B. J., and Rashmi, P (2007), “Intelligent Monitoring System for Driver’s

Alertness (A Vision Based Approach)”. Knowledge-Based Intelligent Information

and Engineering Systems, 4692, pp 471-477.

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