Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Recent Developments

Listed below are recent developments pertinent to GIS in Transportation from the past six months.  If you would like to suggest a recent development on this topic, please submit a short description to AASHTO (including any pertinent links) on the Share Info with AASHTO form.

• FHWA Report Features Best Practices in GIS-Based Asset Management
• Massachusetts DOT's Interactive Road Inventory Map Featured by FHWA
• FHWA Peer Exchange Showcases Use of GIS Tools in Planning for Climate Change
• Federal Geospatial Data Compilation Now Available Online
• Virginia GIS Data Warehouse Featured by FHWA

FHWA Report Features Best Practices in GIS-Based Asset Management

The Federal Highway Administration has issued a report that identifies best practices for integrating geographic information systems (GIS) and transportation asset management. The report provides background information on GIS and asset management, describes how public agencies have been integrating them, and identifies related benefits and challenges. The report also highlights industry trends and innovative approaches to using GIS for transportation asset management. For more information, link to Best Practices in Geographic Information Systems-Based Transportation Asset Management. (4-12-12)

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Massachusetts DOT's Interactive Road Inventory Map Featured by FHWA

An interactive online map of GIS-based state road information developed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Office of Transportation Planning has been featured as a “GIS Practice of the Week” on the Federal Highway Administration’s GIS in Transportation website. The map provides access to MDOT’s Road Inventory file in ArcGIS format for commonly requested attributes including functional classification, jurisdiction, National Highway System, federal functional classification, and federal-aid eligibility. For more information, link to the MassDOT interactive Road Inventory map. (12-21-11)

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FHWA Peer Exchange Showcases Use of GIS Tools in Planning for Climate Change

The Federal Highway Administration has released a report summarizing a September 2011 peer exchange on the use of GIS for climate mitigation and adaptation planning in state and regional transportation systems. Presenters included the Atlanta Regional Commission, Maryland State Highway Administration, New England Environmental Finance Center, Sacramento Area Council of Governments, Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission, and Washington State Department of Transportation. Participants noted that transportation agencies have adequate GIS tools, but lack sufficient climate change data to adequately use those tools. For more information, link to the Geographic Information Systems Applications for Climate Change Decision-Making Peer Exchange Summary Report. (12-2-11)

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Federal Geospatial Data Compilation Now Available Online

The Department of Interior has announced the release of a website designed to offer ready access to federally maintained geospatial data, services, and applications. The Geospatial Platform website, which was developed by the interagency Federal Geographic Data Committee, features content including maps of EPA cleanup sites, the National Wetlands Inventory, and the USGS National Map. The website allows users to create customized maps using federal geospatial data and common geographic maps. Users can also integrate their own data into the maps, and share the maps through web browsers and mobile applications. For more information, link to the Geospatial Platform. (11-29-11)

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Virginia GIS Data Warehouse Featured by FHWA

The Virginia Department of Transportation’s online database of geospatial information has been featured as a “GIS Practice of the Week” on the Federal Highway Administration’s GIS in Transportation website. The VDOT GIS Integrator serves as the agency’s major repository for viewing, reporting, documenting, and analyzing geospatial data. The application also stores data from other state agencies, including the state departments of Environmental Quality, Game and Inland Fisheries, and Conservation and Recreation, for use in enterprise applications. For more information, link to the VDOT GIS Integrator. (11-22-11)

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