emissions.

### b. Technological Development and Popularization of New ITS Services

## (a) Nationwide Deployment of Smartways

Industry, academia and government have been working together to further the Smartway project as the next generation of roads that connect people, vehicles, and roads with ITS technology for the purpose of traffic safety, traffic congestion measures, and environmental measures. Specifically, beginning in 2011 a variety of services is being offered nationwide through ITS Spots mainly installed on expressways.

The three basic services of dynamic route guidance (providing wide area congestion information), safety driving support (providing information on fallen objects, the end point of congestion, weather, etc.), and ETC were realized through ITS Spot compatible car navigation system. Also, in some models it is possible to provide local tourism information through an internet connection and there is anticipation for expansion into a variety of services such as cashless payments for parking and other services as well as support for logistics. In addition, investigations are under way regarding driving route confirmations that contribute to the support of vehicle operations.

## (b) Explorations for the Realization of Next Generation ITS

To realize safe, comfortable, and smooth road traffic, in addition to promoting the spread of ITS spot services, the collection and analysis of big data consisting of large volumes of probe information such as driving history and behavior history of vehicles will promote initiatives that contribute to more fine-grained road management among other improvements. Also, for traffic congestion relief through the use of cars equipped with ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control), technical assessments and other activities through public and private sector partnerships and the results of investigations into issues regarding automated driving on expressways among other matters were compiled.

## (c) Promotion of the Advanced Safety Vehicle (ASV) Project

Regarding the ASV promotion plan, efforts are under way for the development, commercialization, and widespread adoption of Advanced Safety Vehicles (ASV) that enable drivers to drive safely by using advanced technology such as ICT technology. Specifically, investigations for the promotion of technical development in areas of driver irregularity response system, drivers' overconfidence, system consolidation, and safe driving support systems using vehicle-to-vehicle/pedestrian-to-vehicle communication among others are under way.

Figure II-10-1-2

Illustration of Telecom Use Type Safe Driving Support Systems (Advanced Safety Vehicle - ASV)

Source) MLIT

## 2 Realizing a Society that Utilizes Geospatial Information Sophisticatedly

In order to utilize and use location and spot information or “geospatial information $ ^{Note} $ ” in a more sophisticated manner through ICT, following the “Basic Plan for the Advancement of Utilizing Geospatial Information” enacted by Cabinet Decision on March 27, 2012, initiatives are being promoted to realize a “G-spatial Society (Sophisticated Utilization of Geospatial Information Society)” where anyone is able to utilize necessary geospatial information anytime and anywhere.