The evolution of optimization models supporting mobility policies and territory development

In this paper four major milestones in the development of optimization models are identified in the perspective of policy decision making for mobility and land development. These milestones definition is arbitrary and is motivated only with the purpose of helping the reader in following the contribution of mathematical programming techniques into the decision-making tools that have been, and still are, practically adopted in strategic and planning territory management. The milestones defined will be referred as: Linear Programming, Integer and Mixed Integer Programming, Integration of Optimization Models in Real-Time ICT Architectures, Optimization and Business Analytics. We introduce the reader into the evolution of optimization models so that the contribution of the new outcomes in relation to applications in transportation and mobility appears more evident. The paper is organized as follows. In section 2 the main characteristics of Linear Programming, which are at the base of any optimization model are recalled and the evolution seen from the application point of view is sketched. Section 3 underlines the difference between linear programming and integer programming and some example of integer optimization problems on graphs are given. In Section 4 the role of optimization model with respect to Information and Communication Technology development for transportation is briefly described. Finally, in Section 5 is presented an example of application of optimization for mobile services for tourism in metropolitan areas. The reader should relay on the references for further investigations.