Dynamic map decision support systems for spatial and mobility planning

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6093/1970-9870/12634

Keywords:

Mobility as a Service, Decision Support System;, Spatial Mobility Planning

Abstract

Decision Support Systems (DSS) are widely recognized as important tools supporting decision making processes, quite little adopted yet to support sustainable spatial and mobility planning, despite a wide range of literature arising at the turn of the Millennium on Spatial Decision Support Systems (SDSS). This is the case of the e.INS project, which addresses critical challenges in spatial and mobility planning in Sardinia Region (Italy) and provides a methodological approach to develop a sustainable transport model by MaaS solutions. The objective is to propose a DSS architecture to support the Sardinia MaaS, integrating geo datasets relating mainly to demographic and socio-economic aspects, the supply of key services and the provision and demand of transport, the spatial distribution of tourist flows and related externalities to offer a holistic perspective on local and regional transport needs, opportunities, and gaps. Developed using geospatial technologies, the system's operational core is a dynamic dashboard that visualizes key data and performance metrics. The proposed methodology is functional to build a collaborative framework for the DSS, enabling users to update and manage data through a user-friendly interface, thus ensuring its continued relevance and accuracy. This allows local authorities and transport operators to monitor, analyze, and make informed decisions. The system supports the development of a more sustainable, inclusive, and efficient mobility network, ultimately contributing to a smarter future for Sardinia Region.

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Author Biographies

Mara Ladu, Department of Environmental Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Caglia

Mara Ladu is a Researcher Fellow in urban and landscape planning and design at the DICAAR, University of Cagliari, Italy. She was a Visiting Scholar at the CTS - Centre for Transport and Society (UWE Bristol) in 2024. Her research topics concern spatial and landscape planning, urban regeneration, public real estate management, accessibility and sustainable mobility, geography and spatial analysis. She is author of scientific publications and guest editor in international journals. She is involved in several research projects as a contributing team member and as the Principal Investigator.

Ginevra Balletto, Department of Environmental Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari

Ginevra Balletto is Associate Professor of Sustainable urban planning at the DICAAR, University of Cagliari, Italy.  Her research topics concern sustainable spatial planning and mobility in multiple transitions: demographic, energy, ecological, and digital. She has published 250 publications and is guest editor in national and international journals. 

Tanja Congiu, Department of Architecture, Design and Urban Planning, University of Sassari

Tanja Congiu is Associate Professor of Transport Planning at the DADU, University of Sassari, Italy. Her research focuses on the relationship between the characteristics of the built environment, mobility behavior and transport planning, as a key knowledge-base for informing policies and projects that promote more sustainable and inclusive transport systems and cities. Another research activity is urban walkability and the development of methods and tools for measuring, evaluating and guiding active transport policies. She is a scientific consultant for local authorities and author of national and international publications. 

Gianfranco Fancello, Department of Environmental Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari

Gianfranco Fancello is Full Professor of “Freight Transport and Logistics” and “Transport Systems Design” at the DICAAR, University of Cagliari, Italy. He is the Director of CIREM – Interuniversity Centre for Economic & Mobility Research. His research topics concern land-transport relations, human factors related to active and passive safety, complex mobility systems, and maritime transport and logistics. He is the scientific coordinator of several national and European research projects. He is the author of five books and approximately 100 publications in national and international journals and conferences. 

Ernesto Fontes Pupo, Department of Environmental Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari

Ernesto Fontes Pupo received his Ph.D. Summa Cum Laude in Electronic and Computer Engineering from the University of Cagliari, Italy in 2024. He was a Postdoctoral Researcher for one and a half years at the same university, within the EU-funded project e.INS (Ecosystem of Innovation for Next Generation Sardinia). During this period he contributed to the development of a Decision Support System (DSS) based on interactive web maps for mobility and demographic analysis. His research interests include wireless communications, radio resource management, 5G/6G network planning and orchestration, immersive multimedia applications, as well as the design and implementation of web-based decision support systems. 

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Published

30-04-2026

How to Cite

Ladu, M., Balletto, G., Congiu, T., Fancello, G., & Fontes Pupo, E. (2026). Dynamic map decision support systems for spatial and mobility planning. TeMA - Journal of Land Use, Mobility and Environment, 19(1), 79–96. https://doi.org/10.6093/1970-9870/12634

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 1 (2026): NEW CHALLENGES FOR CITIES IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY: Regenerative Design - Climate Adaptation & Mitigation - Circular Economy - Citizen Agency - Urban Livability

Section

LUME (Land Use, Mobility and Environment)

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Copyright (c) 2026 Mara Ladu, Ginevra Balletto, Tanja Congiu, Gianfranco Fancello, Ernesto Fontes Pupo

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

  

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