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13 pages, 3579 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal Feature Detection of Vehicle Categories in the Urban Area

by Tomáš Tichý, David Švorc, Miroslav Růžička and Zuzana Bělinová

Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6873; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126873 - 17 Jun 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2597

The main goal of this paper is to present new possibilities for the detection and recognition of different categories of electric and conventional (equipped with combustion engines) vehicles using a thermal video camera. The paper presents a draft of a possible detection and [...] Read more.

The main goal of this paper is to present new possibilities for the detection and recognition of different categories of electric and conventional (equipped with combustion engines) vehicles using a thermal video camera. The paper presents a draft of a possible detection and classification system of vehicle propulsion systems working with thermal analyses. The differences in thermal features of different vehicle categories were found out and statistically proved. The thermal images were obtained using an infrared thermography camera. They were utilized to design a database of vehicle class images of passenger vehicles (PVs), vans, and buses. The results confirmed the hypothesis that infrared thermography might be used for categorizing the vehicle type according to the thermal features of vehicle exteriors and machine learning methods for vehicle type recognition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cities, Smart Mobilities, and Sustainable Development of Cities)

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20 pages, 6724 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Bike-Sharing System in Slovakia and the Impact of COVID-19 on This Shared Mobility Service in a Selected City

by Stanislav Kubaľák, Alica Kalašová and Ambróz Hájnik

Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6544; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126544 - 8 Jun 2021

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 4566

Abstract

The current COVID-19 pandemic situation has a very significant impact on urban mobility, as evidenced by fundamental changes in passengers’ behavior. In many cases, passengers have switched to other modes of transport to minimize the risk of infection (particularly cycling and walking). This [...] Read more.

The current COVID-19 pandemic situation has a very significant impact on urban mobility, as evidenced by fundamental changes in passengers’ behavior. In many cases, passengers have switched to other modes of transport to minimize the risk of infection (particularly cycling and walking). This paper aims to point out the analysis results of the impacts of a bike-sharing system in the city of Košice before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, this paper describes an analysis of the current state of bike-sharing in the Slovak Republic. We have stated a timeline of significant dates related to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 had a significant impact on people’s mobility and bike-sharing, as evidenced by the graphs and results in this paper. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cities, Smart Mobilities, and Sustainable Development of Cities)

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20 pages, 4261 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Knowledge System Supporting ITS Deployment

by Pavel Přibyl, Aleš Janota, Juraj Spalek and Vladimír Faltus

Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 6407; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116407 - 4 Jun 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2167

Abstract

Intelligent transportation systems are one of the most rapidly evolving areas, requiring an appropriate response from standardization bodies and adequate support from EU regulations. This results in a high and ever-expanding volume of technical standards, which makes their practical use difficult and the [...] Read more.

Intelligent transportation systems are one of the most rapidly evolving areas, requiring an appropriate response from standardization bodies and adequate support from EU regulations. This results in a high and ever-expanding volume of technical standards, which makes their practical use difficult and the harmonization process unsustainable. Therefore, standardization bodies are officially required to supply public information, based on which potential users can decide whether they need to buy or use a particular standard or not. The authors demonstrate how to solve this problem and achieve sustainability in terms of operating in a more intelligent and efficient manner. The proposed solution relies on the creation of standard extracts using a hybrid method that combines syntactic and semantic analysis and assumes human expert involvement. The paper presents the practical experience and results obtained from a long-term national project. A practical example is included so that the reader can comprehend a basic idea of the achieved results. The authors believe the proposed method can be adopted across other professional domains and other European countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cities, Smart Mobilities, and Sustainable Development of Cities)

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17 pages, 3754 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Smart Parking Applications and Its Efficiency

by Alica Kalašová, Kristián Čulík, Miloš Poliak and Zuzana Otahálová

Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 6031; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116031 - 27 May 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 9026

Abstract

Parking is a problem in many cities. Usually, it is not possible to build new parking lots due to insufficient available areas. This paper focuses on the parking situation in Slovak city Žilina. The authors carried out an extensive traffic survey in private [...] Read more.

Parking is a problem in many cities. Usually, it is not possible to build new parking lots due to insufficient available areas. This paper focuses on the parking situation in Slovak city Žilina. The authors carried out an extensive traffic survey in private and city-owned parking lots. Not only were occupancy data collected, but also the opinions of the drivers who parked there. The second half of the paper is based on results from the survey. It includes a proposal of the new intelligent parking system which can improve the efficiency of parking. This system is proposed in flowcharts and also described. The intelligent parking system with guidance to a free parking space can improve the traffic situation in cities. Drivers find a free parking space faster, which reduces congestion and various other negative externalities. On the other hand, the system has high acquisition costs and other problems. These issues of smart parking solutions are also discussed in the paper. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cities, Smart Mobilities, and Sustainable Development of Cities)

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20 pages, 25586 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Growth of E-Commerce Due to COVID-19 and the Need for Urban Logistics Centers Using Electric Vehicles: Bratislava Case Study

by Tomáš Settey, Jozef Gnap, Dominika Beňová, Michal Pavličko and Oľga Blažeková

Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5357; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105357 - 11 May 2021

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 6742

Abstract

Before the COVID-19 pandemic there had already been an increase in individual shipment transportation including inner-city areas. During the pandemic and implementation of adopted preventive measures, it has increased by more than 100% in some cities. This presents an unsustainable development, particularly in [...] Read more.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic there had already been an increase in individual shipment transportation including inner-city areas. During the pandemic and implementation of adopted preventive measures, it has increased by more than 100% in some cities. This presents an unsustainable development, particularly in terms of urban environment. The above-mentioned development has accelerated the research related to optimal allocation of logistics centres considering the last-mile distribution. Unfortunately, the theoretical mathematical model that finds an optimal urban logistics centre location based on the matrix of distance, number, and weight of shipments is not applicable in most cities. Therefore, the following research methodology was chosen in accordance with the approved territorial plan. The authors considered those locations in Bratislava—the capital of Slovak Republic—which are designated, or suitable for building up of an urban logistics centre. These localities were afterwards evaluated in a real-world case study employing methods of mathematical programming (linear programming), the nearest neighbour method, and the Clarke-Wright method. The presented methodology can be applied not only when deciding on the appropriate location of the city logistics centre, but also at optimizing the vehicle routing problem. Taking into account the urban logistics sustainability and the e-commerce growth, it was analysed whether the suggested location of urban logistics centre is feasible to provision examined facilities using electric vehicles. The range of considered electric vehicles of N2 category present in the market tends to be at the limits of distribution routes length for the given case study. Therefore, the article also deals with the fast-charging possibilities of vehicles during handling operations and the use of hybrid freight vehicles in city logistics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cities, Smart Mobilities, and Sustainable Development of Cities)

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16 pages, 2791 KiB

Open AccessArticle

City Logistics as an Imperative Smart City Mechanism: Scrutiny of Clustered EU27 Capitals

by Filip Škultéty, Dominika Beňová and Jozef Gnap

Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3641; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073641 - 25 Mar 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3812

Abstract

In large urban agglomerations, various logistical problems arise due to high population density and deficient transport infrastructure. City logistics involves the efficient distribution of freight transport in urban areas and approaches to mitigate environmental impacts and traffic congestion. This paper aims to use [...] Read more.

In large urban agglomerations, various logistical problems arise due to high population density and deficient transport infrastructure. City logistics involves the efficient distribution of freight transport in urban areas and approaches to mitigate environmental impacts and traffic congestion. This paper aims to use a two-step cluster analytic approach to segmentation of EU27 capital cities based on their city logistics performance. To obtain primary outcomes, the log-likelihood measure in SPSS Statistics was used. The results can be used to identify the development and implementation of logistics measures in capitals across the EU. In addition to clustering, the statistical analysis evaluates the position of investigated cities concerning traffic congestions, and from an environmental point of view, the carbon dioxide produced from transport. The scrutiny delivers practical outlooks on how clustering can be undertaken and proves how the clusters can be used to plan city logistics and supply chain management. Finally, the paper deals with smart city indices from the perspective of sustainable mobility and examines its correlation with city logistics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cities, Smart Mobilities, and Sustainable Development of Cities)

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16 pages, 8311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Implementation of the Smart City Process—Researchers’ Knowledge in Detecting Transport System Defects

by Roman Dostál, Josef Kocourek, Aneta Matysková, Karolína Moudrá and Vojtěch Nižňanský

Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3296; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063296 - 17 Mar 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2584

Abstract

Although the Republic of Moldova has experienced massive increase in vehicle ownership and use, some of the latest advances in how to approach and nurture public space are underutilized. This article summarizes the basic findings of a project aimed at transfer of knowledge [...] Read more.

Although the Republic of Moldova has experienced massive increase in vehicle ownership and use, some of the latest advances in how to approach and nurture public space are underutilized. This article summarizes the basic findings of a project aimed at transfer of knowledge and the implementation of the smart city process in Chișinău, Moldova. Chișinău presents a perfect opportunity for full-scale transformation regarding mobility in the smart city process. In its current state, where there are still enough opportunities to make significant improvements and for the region itself, the Republic of Moldova falls into the category of middle- to lower-income countries. Moreover, this article looks at the difficulties of preparing a smart mobility strategy while under the effect of the current COVID-19 pandemic in the form of social distancing by the city. The subject of study is to determine whether a long-distance strategy can be properly created and introduced, mostly based on proper communication. Key data sources were examined and chosen as the basis for determining weaknesses and as a basis for determining the main pillars. While challenging, this paper finds distanced knowledge transfer and planning to be achievable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cities, Smart Mobilities, and Sustainable Development of Cities)

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19 pages, 4379 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Traffic Planning Software Outputs When a New Highway Section Is Put into Operation

by Veronika Harantová, Alica Kalašová and Simona Kubíková

Sustainability 2021, 13(5), 2467; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052467 - 25 Feb 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2073

Abstract

The main aim of this paper is to point out the assumptions of motorway operation effects on local transport. We assume positive effects of starting motorway operation on the specific section of road I/11. This section connects the cities of Žilina and Čadca. [...] Read more.

The main aim of this paper is to point out the assumptions of motorway operation effects on local transport. We assume positive effects of starting motorway operation on the specific section of road I/11. This section connects the cities of Žilina and Čadca. It is considered as one of the most problematic sections of the Slovak Republic because of the high intensity of individual transport and freight or cargo transport. This transport issue is growing beyond the regional level and is reaching alarming proportions. It needs to be solved as soon as possible. One of the available possibilities is to start the operation of the mentioned motorway D3. We have created a simulation model of a current state and also the state with the motorway. We have used intensities from the last national traffic census as basic inputs for simulation. These intensity values have been recalculated by relevant growth coefficients defined in Technical Conditions no. 102. Based on the results of a dynamic simulation, we have compared the average speed, delay times, and the length of congestions in two scenarios—the current state and effects of motorway operation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cities, Smart Mobilities, and Sustainable Development of Cities)

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