14. Field Operational Tests and Deployment Plans

In this chapter an explanation is given of Field Operational Tests (FOT), studies to evaluate the impact of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) in the real world. The methodology for designing and conducting these tests is described. Different types of FOT can be distinguished, testing advanced driver assistance systems and nomadic devices, as well as cooperative systems allowing communication between vehicles and between vehicles and infrastructure. This last type of test is discussed in more detail, addressing the question of how they can be used for testing vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) technologies, and examples are given of both European and US projects. Specifically the DRIVE C2X project is described, as it explicitly addresses these technologies. Conducting FOTs is an important step on the way to the deployment of ITS. Also, data deriving from these studies can be deployed, in new projects, to answer new research questions. The chapter concludes with a description of the networking and community building activities in the Field Operational Test domain.