GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM: A TECHNOLOGY FOR TRANSPORT ENGINEERS

This article discusses the definition, concepts and capabilities of geographical information systems (GIS), with special reference to its use in India, and outlines its potential applications to highway and transport engineering. GIS technology uses a topological approach whereby it can extract information from one layer of topology, in relation to other layers, and integrate information from different layers. It is the most sophisticated member of a family of computer graphics systems, with various capabilities for database management and spatial functions; uniquely among these systems, it can handle both topology and attributes. It is essential for the effective use of large amounts of remotely sensed data. The Survey of India is using two sophisticated GIS systems, and satellite data, to create a digital topographic database of India at the basic scales of 1:250,000 and 1:500,000. Potential applications of GIS to highway infrastructure management include: (1) executive information system; (2) pavement management system; (3) bridge management; (4) maintenance management; (5) safety management; (6) transport system management; (7) travel demand forecasting; (8) corridor preservation; (9) construction management; (10) accident analysis; and (11) environmental impact assessment.

  • Availability:
  • Corporate Authors:

    Indian Roads Congress

    Jamnagar House, Shahjahan Road
    New Delhi,   India  110 011
  • Authors:
    • SONI, S K
    • DURAI, B K
    • Kumar, P
    • MURTY, AVSR
  • Publication Date: 1996-2

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: References;
  • Pagination: p. 53-8
  • Serial:
    • Indian Highways
    • Volume: 24
    • Issue Number: 2
    • Publisher: Indian Roads Congress
    • ISSN: 0376-7256

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00729723
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
  • Files: ITRD
  • Created Date: Dec 26 1996 12:00AM