BACKGROUND

The collection and aggregation of data directly from vehicles has introduced a new set of tools for state and local transportation agencies to fill gaps in their existing understanding of roadway system performance. State and local departments of transportation (DOTs) are heterogeneous, and their needs and uses for telemetric data are nuanced. Telemetric data are defined here as data generated or collected by vehicles and in-vehicle devices. Private sector entities that provide telemetric data and related analytics are still relatively new and may be reluctant to share their data. Advancing technologies are changing the landscape relative to an agency’s ability to improve safety, operations, and other DOT business practices. However, new technological capabilities uncover challenges related to telemetric data availability, accessibility, integration, privacy, and use.

OBJECTIVES

The research objectives are to (1) determine what telemetric data is available to state and local DOTs; (2) determine how telemetric data is being used by state and local DOTs; and (3) identify challenges and opportunities for the use of telemetric data.

PHASE I

Task 1. Identify the industry state of practice related to the sources, availability, and exchange of telemetric data and related analysis tools.

Task 2. Describe telemetric data usage within state and local DOTs.

Task 3. Compose a technical brief describing the findings of Tasks 1 and 2 that shall be approved by NCHRP prior to initiating Phase II.

PHASE II

Task 4. Identify potential immediate and long-term telemetric data use cases focused on the needs of state and local DOTs.

Task 5. Identify challenges that state and local DOTs encounter with the use of telemetric data.

Task 6. Develop a brief, prioritized list of potential actions to encourage the broad use of telemetric data.

 Task 7. Prepare final deliverables, which should include:

1. A final report documenting the entire research effort;
2. An executive leadership brief;
3. Prioritized recommendations for future research;
4. A logo-free PowerPoint presentation describing the background, objectives, research approach, findings, and conclusions;
5. A stand-alone technical memorandum titled "Implementation of Research Findings and Products"; and
6. A presentation of findings to one AASHTO committee or council concerned with the use of telemetric data.

STATUS

Research in progress.