Research on GIS-based Highway Safety Assessment Techniques

Abstract

Based on a brief introduction to Highway Safety Assessment (HSA) techniques and the application of a geographic information system (GIS) in highway safety, this study expounded on the necessity and feasibility of the introduction of GIS into HSA. Moreover, the application of GIS spatial analysis, spatial query, and integration techniques in highway design and in the operating phase of HSA were discussed. A GIS-based HSA technical system was then constructed. The main data source and the spatial analysis techniques used in the proposed technical system were proposed. The construction of an information platform as well as its main function modules was also proposed to facilitate the application of this technical system in HSA projects. The proposed technical system provides a new insight and direction for the development of HSA. The proposed technical system is important in the integration of highway data in highway design and operation, the improvement of the accuracy of HSA conclusions and in the expansion of HSA application in China.