Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 November 2011
In a car navigation system the conventional information used to guide drivers in selecting their driving routes typically considers only one criterion, usually the Shortest Distance Path (SDP). However, drivers may apply multiple criteria to decide their driving routes. In this paper, possible route selection criteria together with a Multi Objective Path Optimisation (MOPO) model and algorithms for solving the MOPO problem are proposed. Three types of decision criteria were used to present the characteristics of the proposed model. They relate to the cumulative SDP, passed intersections (Least Node Path – LNP) and number of turns (Minimum Turn Path – MTP). A two-step technique which incorporates shortest path algorithms for solving the MOPO problem was tested. To demonstrate the advantage that the MOPO model provides drivers to assist in route selection, several empirical studies were conducted using two real road networks with different roadway types. With the aid of a Geographic Information System (GIS), drivers can easily and quickly obtain the optimal paths of the MOPO problem, despite the fact that these paths are highly complex and difficult to solve manually.