Adaptation of Geographic Information Systems to Highway Management

Abstract

The advent of geographic information systems (GIS) has created a technology with considerable potential for achieving dramatic gains in efficiency and productivity for a multitude of traditional and innovative highway management applications. However, to capitalize on GIS technology, it will be necessary for highway agencies to adapt the way in which they collect, store, and utilize data, as well as undergo fundamental changes in how they carry out technical responsibilities. This paper addresses these considerations through a study of: (1) Highway management applications that can benefit from adaptation to GIS; (2) key GIS concepts affecting highway transportation; and (3) issues affecting GIS design and implementation within and between highway agencies. The results of this study are reported in terms of establishing guidelines for successfully achieving full GIS adaptation to highway management.