As a profession, we are consulted by decision-makers in the investment of billions of public dollars and the shaping of cities and regions. These are not typical decisions made on a daily basis, but ones that will result in permanent consequences for current and future generations to come. So how should decisions be based? It is well understood that they should be based on the values of the societies they serve–values such as safety, equity, and sustainability. As modern-day data-driven engineers and planners, we need to embrace and respect the power of data as the basis of decisions. Therefore, it is paramount we use values-based data and analytics (or “datalytics”) to support our decision makers in shaping a better future.
This seminar will cover concepts of values-based data and illustrate their efficacy through a variety of analytics that convert data into strategic intelligence.
Clark has three decades of experience in public, private, and academic sectors, specializing in analytical methods and information systems for transportation planning and engineering applications. After completing his graduate research at UBC in driver distraction and attention modelling in the early 90’s, he work on regional surveys and demand models (“EMME/2”) at what is now called Metro Vancouver. During this time he was part of the team that conceived the idea of a modern governance and funding model, resulting in the establishment of TransLink and the Major Road Network (MRN). Other capacities at TransLink included Project Manager of the Evergreen Rapid Transit Line planning and consultation process (2004-2006), and Program Manager for the Research and Technical Services group.
Currently as Principal of Acuere Consulting, he leads the development of cloud-based applications such as congestion measurement systems, GHG inventory applications, and JEDI tools that help clients measure and improve their corporate sustainability and diversity quotient. Annually, Clark lectures on transportation engineering and planning at UBC as an Adjunct Professor, and as a Visiting Professor at the University of Piura, Peru. At UBC, he led the development of a triple-bottom-line methodology for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Commissioned by the IOC, this study sought to develop a means to measure the performance of Olympic Games Host Cities to become a positive champion for sustainability and social equity.
This experience thus far has cumulated into his recent appointment as a member of the new and exciting ITE Data Committee!
