Back to Main Expert-System Tool Page> What Is an Expert-System Tool

An expert system is a rule-based diagnostic and assistive tool that provides intelligent advice. This Web site uses such a system to help users match ITS to their needs. If the user is looking for ways to address a particular problem, the system will ask questions about the problem and the circumstances in which it occurs, will present the user with alternative actions to mitigate the problem and will help the user determine which actions should be studied further and what information will be needed. The next step would likely involve further analysis, obtaining more information about the circumstances and the costs of the action, applying case-based reasoning, benefit-cost analysis, or some other type of analysis and perhaps comparing the impacts of this action to impacts of other possible actions.

Under development is another component of the system to help users begin including ITS in their jurisdictions’ plans or develop ITS Plans for their jurisdictions. Here the system would ask a series of questions that would provide a systematic way of looking at ITS actions and help the user determine how to incorporate ITS in the existing transportation system.

The system plays much the same role as a human consultant who is trying to determine the needs and goals of his client and to match these with an effective course of action.