Research Needs for Determining Spatially Resolved Subfleet Characteristics

Abstract

Future emission models will need spatially resolved subfleet characteristics to determine mobile emission inventories. The use of geographic information systems and regional registration data for developing location-specific vehicle characteristics that can feed future models is addressed. Issues regarding data availability and quality are explored to define gaps in the research that may prevent development of comprehensive and accurate estimates. As a component of a larger research project studying vehicle emission modeling, a six-step process was developed and implemented for a 100 km2 area in Atlanta. Vehicles were geocoded by using registration addresses, and vehicle characteristics were determined through a series of computer programs, commercial software, and related datasets. During the process, many research issues were identified that prevent a comprehensive assessment of spatially resolved fleet characteristics. The data and research needed to further improve the capability to generate spatially resolved subfleet characteristics were identified.