From prehistoric times up to the present day, Granada has been "la tierra soñada", our dream land, as the song by Agustin Lara describes it. Granada's geography, climate and history have attracted many different cultures in the past and continues to do so. It is a land where successive peoples have settled and become Andalusians who, as Spaniards, are deeply aware of their Mediterranean culture and nonetheless proud of their Castilian and Galician origins, to which they add the hard working resourcefulness of the Jews, and the Arabs' love of life's pleasures and hospitality. The capital of this gem of a province, once the crown jewel of Spain, is the city of Granada. Few Spanish cities are as well known and yet so little known as Granada. Situated in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain chain, the city boasts a wealth of enviable historic, architectural and cultural attractions. Its many treasures include the Alhambra, the most visited of all Spanish monuments, the charming Albaycin and Sacromonte neighbourhoods, the Plateresque Royal Chapel and the Cathedral, the first Renaissance church in Spain.

Aerial view of the Mirador de San Nicolas viewing point	View of the Triunfo Gardens

In recent years, the city has doubled its hotel capacity and has the facilities to accommodate any number of conference participants. Granada is not only a very pleasant place to stay, but also affords many charming and outstanding attractions. The Conference Hall in the city centre is equipped with cutting edge technology, providing a modern, spacious and welcoming venue for the 10th Transport Engineering Conference (CIT2012).

For all the above reasons (geography, climate, history, local hospitality, facilities, experience and conference hall) we are confident that Granada can meet the standards of previous years. We are aware of the difficulties involved, but we are determined to make sure you are not disappointed.

The key to the success of any Conference, however, is the participants. The Transport Engineering Conference has become a venue where engineers, officials, technicians, faculty and students can gather to exchange experiences, knowledge and scientific advances. That is why the CIT2012, as always, targets anyone who works in the world of transportation. The Organizing Committee welcomes your participation in this year's CIT2012: your submission of papers, participation in discussion groups, exchange of experiences, visits to the technology exhibition and exploration of the current situation in transportation engineering.

We would also like to acknowledge the trust the Transportation Engineering Forum (www.fit.org.es) placed in us when it selected Granada as the venue for the CIT2012. The Transportation Engineering Forum is a Spanish non-profit academic organization whose mission it is to convene the conference, set out the guidelines and oversee its quality.

On behalf of the Organizing Committee, we look forward to seeing you in Granada!

Juan de Oña López