Professional Capacity Building for Communications: Phase 3

University Transportation Centers Program2015PDFTech ReportGalarus, DouglasKoon, Leann A FMontana State University. Western Transportation InstituteCalifornia Department of Transportation. Division of Research, Innovation and System InformationUnited States. Department of Transportation. University Transportation Centers (UTC) ProgramMontana State University. Western Transportation InstituteUnited StatesIntelligent transportation systemsRural areasTelecommunicationsTraining programsTransportation engineersWireless communication systemsCA16-1747Revised and finalized December 21, 2015Rural communication engineering remains a mission critical skill that most engineers in the state have limited experience with. Lacking these skills, engineers and technicians have a difficult time designing and maintaining reliable and robust communication networks for rural Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) field equipment. As new technologies emerge, engineers and technicians will be required to understand the reality of what is possible versus the hype from a vendor. In this phase of the project, one specialized course in Telecom Wireless Fundamentals was researched, developed and delivered by subject matter experts to train rural engineers and technicians. These two courses builds the professional capacity of rural ITS engineers and technicians to provide the skills necessary to successfully design, implement, and maintain reliable and robust communication systems in rural and remote areas. Additional specialized training in other ITS areas by subject matter experts is recommended for the follow-on phase of this project.132