Transportation signage is an integral part of the transportation system that provides vital information to passengers enabling them to navigate from one place to the next safely. It also serves as a communication tool for pedestrians and drivers, informing them about road conditions and route directions. This article discusses the past, present, and future of transportation signage.
The History of Transportation Signage
Transportation signage has a fascinating history dating back to when people used landmarks and visual cues to give directions. However, signage became a standardized form of communication in the 15th Century after the invention of the printing press. Road signs were discovered in 312 BC in Rome, where people placed milestones at regular intervals to indicate distance and guide travelers to the next town. In 1653 England developed the first directional signpost, which was a significant improvement from what was used in the middle ages. Road signage underwent substantial changes when the automobile became popular in the early 20th Century.
Detroit introduced its first stop sign in 1915, while Cleveland introduced its first traffic light in 1914. Afterward, road signage picked up, leading to the introduction of several other signs, including one-way signs and speed limit signs. Digital technology began revolutionizing transport signage in the late 20th Century. The technology allowed people to create variable message signs and electronic message boards to provide real-time updates about weather, traffic conditions and accidents. These signs made it easier for the concerned personnel to update drivers in real-time.
What transportation signage looks like presently
Currently, transportation signage is advanced enough to incorporate various materials and technologies to improve effectiveness, visibility and engagement. For instance, many transportation signs currently use retro-reflective materials, allowing for visibility even in low-light conditions. Popular types of transportation signage presently include the following:
Wayfinding signage
Wayfinding signage provides vital information about points of interest, landmarks, and transportation options. You may find this signage alongside navigation signage which provides directional information to drivers and pedestrians, allowing them to move to their destinations without confusion. You can find it on roads and highways, and it can include several signs, markings, and symbols to make it understandable and engaging. These digital directory signs typically have clear symbols to make them visible from afar. This technology is essential for ensuring road safety and preventing potentially hazardous scenarios, especially in complex transportation networks.
Transit signage
This signage is specifically designed for transit systems like subways, buses, and trains. It uses digital displays and signs to provide information about services, schedules, and routes. Transit signage enables passengers to navigate through the transit system without trouble. For instance, airport or bus signage can display real-time boarding announcements and estimated arrival times, while transit signage can provide clear and concise information on where you catch the next train or bus, the stops, and how to connect different routes. Transit signage can also display safety updates, such as instructions on how to behave during an emergency and emergency exit locations.
Regulatory signage
Regulatory signage includes stop signs, no U-turn signs, and speed limit signs to ensure road safety. These signs are usually in bold, conspicuous colors such as black and red to make them visible and communicate the message's urgency. Regulatory signage can also provide information about traffic rules and regulations to minimize the risk of road accidents.
Transportation is currently available at most train stations, bus stations and airports, making it easier for passengers to navigate unfamiliar environments. Additionally, technological advancements have led to the introduction of digital signage, which can provide real-time traffic updates.
The role of transportation signage in transport advertisements
Aside from helping passengers and drivers to navigate from one place to another, transportation signage can advertise various modes of transport, including ferries, trains, taxis, and subways. A well-curated transport signage system can attract potential passengers and improve their travel experience. You can place the signage in strategic areas with high-traffic areas like airports, train terminals, and train terminals. Branding is crucial as it creates a powerful visual identity that potential clients can associate with.
The outlook of transportation signage
Technological advancements and innovations are bound to revolutionize the future of transportation signage. One thing is for sure, the driving public will no longer depend on stationary traffic signs; instead, there will be smarter driving signal boards. The goal is to introduce smart-car tech, transferring traffic signals from the street and into vehicles. Technologies like Internet of Things (IoT) devices and smart cities will make this signage more integrated. Additionally, Artificial intelligence is set to transform transportation signage. AI algorithms can access data from smart sensors and analyze it to provide personalized recommendations to improve passengers’ overall experience.
Another future trend in transportation signage is virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to improve user experience. VR and AR technologies can display information about speed limits, road conditions and directions, making the driving experience more enjoyable and reducing road carnage. These technologies can also create virtual driving simulations, allowing users to practice their driving and navigation skills on different roads before driving in real life. The technology and engineering behind future transportation will be complex, but the goal is to make driving fun, safe and easier for everyone.
Conclusion
Transportation has undergone notable transformations over the past decades due to advancements in technology and design. In the past, this signage relied on road signs and billboards which were expensive and difficult to maintain. The rise of digital technology has made transportation more dynamic and adaptable. Nowadays, LED displays that can be operated remotely and updated to display fresh and relevant information to drivers and pedestrians are used in transportation. In the future, transportation signage will become integrated with technology with the potential advancements in autonomous vehicles and virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Meanwhile, you can enjoy all the advantages of modern transportation digital signage powered by powerful software provided by LOOK DS.
