What's New in ARC-IT

What's New in ARC-IT Version 9.4

ARC-IT Version 9.4 is an update of the US National ITS Architecture Reference focusing on new services for vehicle automation, maritime port information systems, and support for new vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications methods; including networked V2X, wide area wireless (cellular), and introducing the use of multi-access edge computing (MEC). This update expands the list of micro-learning video lessons on RAD-IT and SET-IT. This update is big, so why call it version 9.4 and not v10? The original scope for version 9 back in 2020 was heavily focused on an improved view of standards and support for automation. Version 9.4 largely finishes that task, in that we now have 'maps' for standards as they apply to service packages, and support for the most well-documented automation solutions that leverage infrastructure.

There are several content changes in ARC-IT for 9.4. Changes of particular note:

• On the Service Packages page, the services with revised content are highlighted in blue, and those that are completely new are in yellow. New Service Packages to look for in v9.4:
  • CF23: Port Community Information Sharing; developed in partnership with the US Maritime Administration (MARAD) and the PCIS development team
  • PM07: Automated Parking
  • PT18: Low Speed Automated Driving for Predefined Routes
  • ST11: Low Emissions Zone Fee Collection (previously part of ST10: Low Emissions Zone Management)
  • VS18: Vehicle Remote Operations
  • All service packages now show one or more implementation diagrams. Service Package Implementations (SPMs for short) are the subset of a service package that meets all of the planning goals and user needs of the 'base' service package, while describing one specific way to implement that service. An SPM also includes notions of which parts of a service package might be added so as to enhance the service, but are not strictly required.
• A number of new physical objects have also been added for v9.4:
  • Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC)
  • Ocean Carrier Systems
  • Remote Vehicle Operator
  • Vessel Service Provider Center
  • Vessel Systems
  • Vessel Traffic Services Center
• Other physical objects have been substantially modified:
  • The Border Inspection Administration Center is now the Border and Port Administration Center to indicate support for port operations
  • The Vehicle Service Center is now the Vehicle Operations and Service Center to indicate support for operations like remote parking
  • The Intermodal Customer System and the Vehicle Operations and Service Center switched from being terminators (or outside the architecture) to subsystems within the architecture due to their added functionality to support port and logistics operations as well as remote vehicle operations.
• Updates to standards used in the United States, chiefly those involving vehicle automation and the movement of goods through a port facility.

If the term "ARC-IT" is new to you or it has been a few years since you've visited the National ITS Architecture, you may find the Key Concepts document helpful.