Development of a Road Deficiency GIS Using Data from Automated Multi-sensor Systems

Traditional survey methods have long been used in the field of highway engineering to measure the cross-slope, longitudinal grade, rut depth, and ride quality of existing roadways. However, these methods are slow, tedious, labor intensive, and almost always require partial or full lane closure resulting in traffic delays, increase in costs, and inconvenience to the traveling public. Advances in inertial sensor and inertial navigation technologies have allowed their implementation as state-of-the-art mobile data collection systems. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) operates two mobile data collection systems referred to as Multi-Purpose Survey Vehicles (MPSVs). They collect pavement data including but not limited to cross-slope, longitudinal grade, and wheel-paths’ rut depth at typical highway speeds. The MPSVs are equipped with a position and orientation system (POS) coupled with an inertial profiler unit. The core of the POS consists of a tightly-coupled Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS). This paper presents a methodology for the development of an Automated Roadway Deficiency Information System using Geographical Information System (GIS) software to map areas prone to hydroplaning. The functionality of the developed information system was tested on a pilot project using MPSV collected data. Highway agencies can successfully implement this methodology to complement and enhance their existing safety and pavement management programs.