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
rajeeii@yahoo.com

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 104415. 266and 10486. 458N latitudes and 79557. 656and 7998. 669E
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 104415.266 - 10486.458N latitudes and
79557.656 - 7998.669E 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

149
average elevation of 57 meters above mean sea level. The ambulance service (108) is
available in new bus stand of thanjavur. It covers about 20km
2
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 drivers 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

150
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 79557.656 E - 7998.669E longitudes and
104415.266N - 10486.458N 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 1
st
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 1
st
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.


151

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


152

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.


153

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).

154
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.

155

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).


156
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 399409.
9. Preeti, B. J., and Rashmi, P (2007), Intelligent Monitoring System for Drivers
Alertness (A Vision Based Approach). Knowledge-Based Intelligent Information
and Engineering Systems, 4692, pp 471-477.

Ambulace Information System

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Ambulace Information System

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEOMATICS AND GEOSCIENCES

You might also like