Model based method to assess road curvature effect on travel time and comfort for route planning

Methods and systems for assessing the effect of road curvature on the travel time and the comfort level of a path determined by a ground based route planning system. The methods and systems identify (102) a path and determine (104) an allowable speed profile of the path, wherein the allowable speed profile satisfies a cross track acceleration constraint. Thereafter, the methods and systems determine (106) an optimal speed profile of the path, wherein the optimal speed profile satisfies both an along track acceleration constraint and a speed constraint. Using the optimal speed profile, the road curvature of a path may be factored into a determination (108) of the traversal time of the path. Additionally, using the optimal speed profile, the road curvature of a path may be used to derive (110) a comfort level of the path and/or to provide driver assistance.