At the 9th DATEX II User Forum, 9 to 11 October in Bucharest, experts and stakeholders from the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) sector gathered to discuss the latest innovations and data integration strategies related to the DATEX II mobility data standard. A key topic of the forum was the announcement of the merger between TN-ITS and DATEX II, which is a significant step towards enhancing interoperability and streamlining data exchange in the transportation sector, and ensuring fresh and accurate data provided by the road authorities to the map community service providers.
Key Sessions Hosted by TN-ITS
TN-ITS led two important sessions during the DATEX II User Forum. The first session, as key note, focused on the details of the TN-ITS and DATEX II merger, outlining a clear roadmap for their integration. The merger roadmap outlines a clear path towards integrating both standards under the umbrella of EU Delegated Regulation (DR 2022-670) by the end of 2024. This alignment will harmonize static road data and dynamic traffic data, which have traditionally been managed separately. This consolidation of standards is designed to establish a singular language for the entire European data distribution system, particularly benefiting road authorities and contributing to the ongoing CEN standardization efforts.
Leveraging the Strengths of Both Platforms
For years, TN-ITS and DATEX II have functioned as the cornerstone standards for traffic and road data exchange across the EU, although they have served distinct market sectors. TN-ITS, an ERTICO-led innovation platform, has catered to digital map service providers by delivering updated road attributes such as speed limits and lane configurations, while DATEX II, backed by public authorities, has focused on traffic management data, including traffic flow and road conditions. The merging of these platforms seeks to streamline overlapping roles, foster greater interoperability, and promote collaboration between public and private sectors.
The Lisbon Declaration, signed at the EU ITS conrgess, Lisbon 2023, marked the official launch of efforts to create a unified data exchange framework, facilitating not just map updates and dynamic navigation, but also the timely and precise communication of safety messages across Europe. The shared goal is to eliminate ambiguity in data transmission, ensuring connected and automated vehicles can accurately interpret their surrounding road environment.
The merger leverages the strengths of both TN-ITS and DATEX II, combining TN-ITS’s expertise in high-quality, real-time map updates with DATEX II’s trusted framework for traffic data exchange. Together, they will develop, implement, and manage joint technical standards aimed at improving user adoption and compliance with EU regulations. By consolidating the governance of these standards under a single framework, the new platform will make it easier for stakeholders to collaborate, adopt common standards, and ensure consistent data quality across Europe.
A Unified Future for Mobility Data
The integration of TN-ITS into the DATEX II standard represents a significant step forward for the European transportation sector. It eliminates the fragmentation caused by the use of multiple standards, creating a unified platform for mobility data that will improve the accuracy and accessibility of information. The merged framework not only promises better data accuracy and timeliness but also paves the way for further innovation, particularly in developing technologies for connected and automated vehicles.
As part of the NAPCORE project, which aims to harmonize over 30 National Access Points across Europe, the TN-ITS and DATEX II merger is another step in the broader European strategy to create seamless, interoperable systems that facilitate safer and more sustainable transportation.
Regulation and Data Standards
In the second session led by TN-ITS at the DATEX II User Forum, experts discussed the regulatory implications, focusing on the updates to the ITS Directive and DR 2022-670. With both TN-ITS and DATEX II playing crucial roles in providing regulatory data, the merger will simplify data exchange procedures across Europe. A demonstration showcased how users can seamlessly integrate these data standards into their operations, paving the way for wider adoption by 2025.
Looking Ahead: A Unified Approach
This merger sets the stage for a more coordinated approach to Europe’s mobility data space. By the end of 2024, a joint technical working group will have completed efforts to merge TN-ITS and DATEX II standards. The collaboration aims to address market demands by ensuring accurate, timely, and authoritative data for all stakeholders, including public road authorities and private service providers. This merger not only simplifies data access but also strengthens Europe’s position in the global mobility sector by aligning standards for both public and private users. As pointed out in one of the DATEX II user forum sessions, it is envisioned that the merger will also play a key role in the further development and deployment of the METR (Management of Electronic Traffic Regulations).
