Application of New ATAM Tools to Evaluation of the Dynamic Map Architecture

Abstract

The paper reports an application of Architecture-based Tradeoff Analysis Method (ATAM) for early evaluation of the Dynamic Map architecture. The Dynamic Map is a complex information system, composed of spatial databases, storing static and dynamic data relevant for urban traffic, as well as a set of software modules responsible for data collection, interpretation and provision. Due to the complexity of the system, its size and key importance of its services to other subsystems, we decided to perform architecture evaluation using the ATAM method. To facilitate the task new tools supporting ATAM based assessment are proposed: Scenario Influence Matrix and Architectural Decision Matrix. Taking as example an excerpt from the system architecture, we present how they were used during the architecture evaluation. The gathered experience confirm usefulness of the tools, enabling ATAM to help detecting real flaws in a design and identify potential risks. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.