The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) established the new Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary program with $5 billion in appropriated funds over the next five years. The SS4A program funds regional, local, and tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.
GIS (Geographic Information System) can be a powerful tool for making transportation plans because it can help collect, analyze, and see spatial data about transportation. GIS technology and geospatial data will be integral to the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program.
Below are 24 ideas for geospatial analysis for a comprehensive grant program report. Use advanced GIS software like Esri's ArcGIS Pro and current traffic data such as Wejo's Historic Traffic Patterns and Journey Intelligence to create maps and reports showing these analyses' results to the public.
- Traffic volume analysis. Locate areas where congestion may be an issue and record locations where transportation infrastructure improvements may be required.
- Vehicle speed analysis. Identify areas where speed limits may need to be adjusted, enforcement efforts may need to be increased, or road safety improvements may be required.
- Trend analysis. View trends in traffic volumes, speeds, and congestion, which can inform decisions about transportation planning and infrastructure improvements.
- Corridor analysis. Identify areas where congestion or speed issues may be concentrated and prioritize transportation infrastructure improvements to improve traffic flow.
- Performance analysis. Study areas where infrastructure improvements may be needed to accommodate increased traffic volumes.
- Vehicle origin and destination analysis. Study commuting patterns, transportation corridors, and potential areas for future development.
- Commuter pattern analysis. Identify the most common routes and the origin and destination of commuters to decide where to invest in infrastructure to support their travels.
- Delivery route optimization. Map the most efficient routes for delivering goods and services, thus reducing transportation costs and improving delivery times.
- Travel demand analysis. Identify areas with high travel demand and invest in transportation infrastructure to support public transportation options or improve road networks.
- Tourism analysis. Study the origin and destination of tourists and decide where to invest in infrastructure to improve the visitor experience.
- Accessibility analysis. Point out areas with limited access to transportation options and suggest infrastructure to improve accessibility and mobility for residents.
- Intersection analysis. Report areas of congestion or safety concerns and inform decisions about traffic signals, turn lanes, and other intersection improvements.
- Air pollution analysis. Highlight areas of high traffic and pollution levels to implement emission reduction strategies or green transportation infrastructure.
- Noise pollution analysis. Identify areas of high traffic and noise pollution levels to implement noise barriers or other noise reduction strategies.
- Environmental analysis. Map areas where pollution and greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced through transportation planning and infrastructure improvements.
- Wildlife habitat analysis. Study areas where traffic may be impacting wildlife populations, including where to implement wildlife crossings to mitigate the impact of traffic on wildlife.
- Water quality analysis. Report areas where traffic may contribute to water pollution and assist in creating stormwater management strategies to protect water quality.
- Climate change analysis. Identify areas where traffic may magnify climate change and help implement emission reduction strategies or promote green transportation options.
- Economic analysis. Highlight where transportation improvements could stimulate economic development, such as improving access to commercial zones or tourist destinations.
- Access to markets analysis. Identify areas with high traffic volumes and business activity and recommend where improvements can stimulate economic growth and job creation.
- Cost-benefit analysis. Report areas where investments in transportation infrastructure can provide the greatest economic benefits.
- Transportation demand analysis. Map areas where public transportation could be improved for commuters and support economic growth in the region.
- Tourism analysis. Map areas where transportation infrastructure improvements can promote tourism and economic development.
- Real estate analysis. Identify areas with high traffic volumes and make recommendations to support economic growth in the region.
GIS Analysts play an important role in transportation planning and regional development. These experts can use traffic data to look at patterns and determine how they affect the community. Analysis of these data contributes to optimal decisions concerning transportation planning and infrastructure improvements.
John Buttery is an Associate VP at Wejo, a world leader in autonomous, electric, and connected vehicle data. He has experience with advanced technologies, including GIS software, Big Data, GNSS, Machine Control, GPS, and LIDAR. Mr. Buttery’s responsibilities have included managing strategic alliances while developing dealer networks and establishing sales channels. His background extends to management, project leadership, and collaboration. John is multi-lingual with fluency in both English and Spanish, as well as international business experience.
