Virtual VMS UK

This app is a platform to demonstrate in-vehicle signage integrated into a fairly standard navigation app built using the MAPBOX APK.

Free drive mode provides a fairly useful locator map and the navigation capability is simple but effective, National Highways guidance and alerts are woven into both.

The app starts in free drive mode showing the route taken by a vehicle but allowing displaying and speaking message signs.

At the moment it supports National Highways VMS on the M25, on the M60 and approaches around Manchester and the M6 / M5 and approaches around Birmingham but the intention is to gradually add more National Highways coverage and potentially other VMS in the UK.

As you approach a message sign (300 metres upstream) the message on the sign is displayed and spoken, the message remains displayed until you are 300 metres downstream.

The app also has a Navigation mode where a route can selected and then turn by turn navigation guidance is provided. In this mode VMS are also displayed and VMS guidance is integrated with navigation instructions both on the screen and using speech delivered instructions.

The objective of the app is to put in place a framework to explore the usefulness of in-vehicle signage integrated with Navigation.

Other forms of in-vehicle signage are also being researched such as the car integrated display of traffic lights, optimal speed, time to red time to green. This is available in certain locations for testing by application, admin@virtual-vms.com