Modeling intermodal freight flows using GIS

The purpose of this research is to demonstrate the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for analyzing Intermodal Freight Networks. A complete GIS network comprising of the seven states of (1) Illinois, (2) Indiana, (3) Iowa, (4) Michigan, (5) Minnesota, (6) Ohio and (7) Wisconsin of the upper Midwest region of Unites States is created using Oak Ridge National Laboratory's (ORNL) Intermodal Network Database. The GIS application for Intermodal freight flow analysis developed in this research is capable of displaying Intermodal freight flows on the transportation network, based on, 'Finding Shortest Path' concept of minimizing total transportation costs. Specifically, a network capable of analyzing containerized freight movements has been developed. The research begins with an exploration of existing GIS applications and the state of the practice in the intermodal freight industry. A simple mathematical model is formulated taking into account the multiple modes and complex routing rules involved in the intermodal freight transportation. This research concludes demonstrating the ability of GIS to analyze intermodal freight flows over a transportation network.