A private matter: the implications of privacy regulations for intelligent transportation systems

The rapid development and deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) that utilize data on the movement of vehicles can greatly benefit transportation network operations and safety, but may test the limits of personal privacy. In this paper we survey the current state of legal and industry-led privacy protections related to ITS and find that the lack of existing standards, rules, and laws governing the collection, storage, and use of such information could both raise troubling privacy questions and potentially hinder implementation of useful ITS technologies. We then offer practical recommendations for addressing ITS-related privacy concerns though both privacy-by-design solutions (that build privacy protections into data collection systems), and privacy-by-policy solutions (that provide guidelines for data collection and treatment) including limiting the scope of data collection and use, assuring confidentially of data storage, and other ways to build trust and foster consumer consent.     

Altruism,selfishness and coastal resources

Abstract

The basis for coastal zone management in the United States is established in legislation. In comparison, Canadian federal and provincial governments have adopted a piecemeal approach for managing a variety of concerns examined here: water quality, ecological protection, public access, aesthetics, natural hazards, and water dependency. As a result of this approach, which is characterized by a minimum of federal, provincial, and interjurisdictional coordination, the British Columbia coastal zone is showing signs of stress. For example, major shellfish harvesting areas are being lost to water pollution; ecologically sensitive habitats are being consumed by urban, commercial, and industrial expansion; recreation and tourism opportunities are being impaired by clear cutting and other inappropriate developments; and infrastructure is allowed in flood and erosion‐prone areas. Recommendations to improve the approach to coastal management in British Columbia include a variety of innovations. New federal and provincial policies, legislation, institutions, and experimentation with local and regional integrated resource planning are required to better govern the coastal zone. Increased support for existing agencies, public involvement, and access to information as well as more common use of environmental impact studies are needed to justify proposed coastal developments.     

Watergate village: A case study of a permit application for a marina submitted to the U.S. army corps of engineers

Abstract

Abstract This case study, prepared by an interdisciplinary group of several scientists and planners and a lawyer, reviews the handling by the decision process of an application to the Baltimore District Corps of Engineers for permission to construct a marina. The study determines that while the project in question may not present a significant environmental threat, the project when considered in conjunction with other pending projects on the same subtributary would contribute to boat congestion and degradation of water quality. Changes in the decision process are suggested which would facilitate consideration of the cumulative impacts from a series of coastal alterations.