Many state transportation agencies continue to search for optimal solutions for linking attribute data of transportation system characteristics and performance with linear referencing tools used for mapping and analyzing data. A number of ongoing issues continue to be problematic, including maintaining stable linear data over time as realignments and administrative changes occur, synchronizing traditional data system locations with map geographic coordinates, providing interoperability between data systems, expanding data systems to address both state and local roadway networks as well as multi-modal features, and developing tools for efficient and effective data analysis, mapping and reporting.
This research would conduct a synthesis of state practices in developing transportation linear referencing systems and/or the applied practices of using linear referencing systems. Case studies of recent advances would be documented. Individual state approaches, outcomes, results and resource requirements would be compared to a list of key business factors, such as:
- Stability of data over time
- Geographic resolution, including the ability to capture data on local systems
- Interoperability between systems (routes and/or data)
- Business process efficiencies
- Accessibility within agencies and among partners
- Multi-modal capabilities
- Resource requirements
The final report is available here.
