GPS map matching engine

Transit.big.data

We are looking to hire a talented and enthusiastic student to help develop a real-time “map matching” engine for bus GPS data. This is an opportunity to improve your data skills while working on a real problem together with researchers and an urban transportation agency.

Background: TransJakarta, the city of Jakarta’s bus-rapid-transit (BRT) system, is the largest in the world by track length.

Project. A team of researchers from U Chicago, MIT and Harvard are working together with TransJakarta (PT Transportasi Jakarta or TJ) to analyze and experiment with system improvements that would eventually boost ridership.

As part of this larger project, we are developing an engine to map-match TJ’s high quality GPS data to bus routes. This would function in real-time.

Data. GPS data collected every 5 seconds by almost two thousand TJ buses.

Challenge. Your task is to be primarily responsible for implementing the map matching algorithm in python, working in close collaboration with the rest of the team.

You. We seek an exceptional term-time RA who can start as soon as possible and be available to work, at a minimum until late June, and who can dedicate at least 15 hours per week (on average) to this project.

The ideal candidate:

• Major in computer science or related or extensive related experience.
• Excellent python skills.
• Ability to build on existing code basic familiarity with git.
• Familiarity working with data is a plus.
• Keen attention to detail and perseverance.
• Interest in economics, transportation and/or urban issues is a plus.

Position details:

• Competitive pay.
• Start date: ASAP.
• Time commitment: an average of 15 hours per week minimum.

To apply, send email with subject line “[RA map matching]” with a CV and a short paragraph describing your python experience and working with data (courses and projects), and an unofficial transcript. Short-listed candidates will receive a technical exercise and will be invited to an interview.

Contact Name: Gabriel Kreindler, Research Fellow, Becker-Friedman Institute

Contact Email: gekr@uchicago.edu