Application Areas

Dynamic Message Signs

Description

This center-to-field application area covers the interface between a traffic management center or maintenance and construction management center, and a specific type of roadway equipment that provides information to motorists -- the dynamic message sign (DMS). These signs may be permanently installed or portable devices and use various technologies such as flip panels, multiple lights, or light-emitting diodes capable of displaying a limited number of messages or a fully customized message using any combination of characters. A DMS can furnish motorists with real-time information including alerts and advisories, early warning messages, alternate route information, travel times, and work zone information.

National ITS Architecture Interface

This application area includes the interfaces between the center subsystems that control dynamic message signs and the dynamic message signs (DMS) in the Roadway Subsystem (RS). Both the Traffic Management Subsystem (TMS) and Maintenance and Construction Management Subsystem (MCMS) control DMS by sending information to the DMS for initialization, configuration, and control. This exchange of information can include the actual message to be displayed on the DMS as well as delivery attributes such as fonts and character tables, local message store maintenance requests, control mode commands, and queries on equipment status and condition. The DMS responds with the current operating status information (including fault information) when requested.

Applicable Standards

This center-to-field application area covers the interface between a traffic management center or maintenance and construction management center, and a specific type of roadway equipment that provides information to motorists -- the dynamic message sign (DMS). These signs may be permanently installed or portable devices and use various technologies such as flip panels, multiple lights, or light-emitting diodes capable of displaying a limited number of messages or a fully customized message using any combination of characters. A DMS can furnish motorists with real-time information including alerts and advisories, early warning messages, alternate route information, travel times, and work zone information.This application area includes the interfaces between the center subsystems that control dynamic message signs and the dynamic message signs (DMS) in the Roadway Subsystem (RS). Both the Traffic Management Subsystem (TMS) and Maintenance and Construction Management Subsystem (MCMS) control DMS by sending information to the DMS for initialization, configuration, and control. This exchange of information can include the actual message to be displayed on the DMS as well as delivery attributes such as fonts and character tables, local message store maintenance requests, control mode commands, and queries on equipment status and condition. The DMS responds with the current operating status information (including fault information) when requested.

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In general, the following standards are applicable to Dynamic Message Signs deployments. To determine which specific standards are applicable for a deployment you will need to determine which architecture flows will be needed for the Dynamic Message Signs piece of your deployment. Contact your local FHWA ITS Division Specialist or an ITS Standards Program Field Support Team contact

Deployment Resources

Deployment resources can be found in the deployment resources section.

• Featured Deployer Profiles
• Specification Guide for Procurement of NTCIP-compliant DMS
• ITS Standards Field Test Reports
• NTCIP Case study reports (-)
• DMS (Dynamic Message Signs) Standards Advisory

With numerous DMS deployed along District Six, traffic managers at the SunGuide® Transportation Management Center (TMC) publish traffic conditions to help drivers learn about upcoming delays. TMC operations staff work with partner agencies to coordinate comprehensive message plans and keep motorists informed about travel lane blockage information, travel times, scheduled construction activities, safety messages, and special events.

 

The SunGuide TMC is committed to managing and operating this service to optimize traffic conditions and help drivers get to where they need to go safer and more efficiently.

For more information, please visit walk in dynamic message signs.

 

MAP OF DMS

 

Miami-Dade County [PDF]

 

Monroe County [PDF]

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