Final answer:
To track an asset in the global transportation network, planners need to use technologies such as the Internet, GPS, and GIS, which require analysis of multiple sources of information for accuracy and effectiveness in transportation planning.
Step-by-step explanation:
Planners looking to view an asset's status within the global transportation network (GTN) as it travels from origin to destination would require a dynamic and real-time information source that integrates technologies like the Internet, Global Positioning System (GPS), and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). These technologies have profoundly impacted the way we visualize and manage logistics and transportation. GPS provides real-time location data, whereas GIS allows for the analysis and display of geographic data, which is vital for route planning and asset tracking. The Internet serves as the medium through which data is transmitted and can be accessed by planners. Furthermore, the validity and utility of this data from various sources need to be analyzed and evaluated for planners to make informed decisions.
It's critical to analyze and evaluate the information from both primary and secondary sources, as well as aerial photographs and maps, to ensure the most effective and up-to-date planning. The integration of these technologies can help effectively quantify routes and assess changes over time, thereby supporting planners in optimizing transportation planning, whether for developing new roadways or maintaining existing ones. Planners must consider the environmental impact of transportation infrastructures, often raised by environmental activists, and find a balance between development and sustainability.