Collaboration-Optimized Network for Naturalistic Exploration and Communication about Traffic

Current access to and analysis of the Fatal Analysis Reporting System (FARS) dataset requires significant time and technical skill. Data analysis tools are often general-purpose, designed to support the analysis of any dataset, and do not easily support the types of questions many transportation and safety engineers ask of the FARS data. Visualizations can help users understand relationships between variables and uncover patterns in their data. Aptima, Inc. designed the Collaboration-Optimized Network for Naturalistic Exploration and Communication about Traffic (CONNECT) tool to empower users to collaboratively create and share visualizations of FARS. CONNECT simplifies the process of creating visualizations by making the entire FARs dataset immediately accessible through a tailored interface and experience, improving exploratory analysis. Users are able to reuse their own analyses and utilize visualizations shared by others, saving time when creating analysis products while also increasing quality. CONNECT visualizations can be shared with any audience as dynamic, web-based content or as traditional static media. In Phase I, Aptima, Inc. designed the user interface and software architecture, and developed a limited functionality prototype for CONNECT. The objective in Phase II is to continue developing both the prototype and a viable commercialization plan.