TransNet: the transportation research Internet cooperative

TransNet is an experimental service that provides a model for the organization and electronic dissemination of transportation knowledge. TransNet is an Internet cooperative whose members are universities that have a demonstrated interest in transportation research and that have the necessary hardware, software and personnel to host a World Wide Web (WWW, or Web) site. TransNet provides the opportunity for hundreds of universities and other organizations to participate in the cooperative venture. Each host organization maintains a standard set of information services for one or more specific transportation-related research topics. This paper provides an overview of the TransNet project and describes the “nested matrix” approach adopted for topic organization. The nine basic services (literature, research, modeling, education, agency contacts, professional forum, multimedia, Internet links, and news) that will be provided by host universities for each transportation topic are described in detail. As TransNet evolves, and as more participants begin to host topic-specific service pages, a wealth of transportation research data and information will become readily accessible electronically to all interested parties