Transportation Information Assets and Impacts: An Assessment of Needs

Data and the information produced from data are key assets of transportation systems because of the roles they play in support of decision-making: problem identification, design of options, and priority setting. This paper presents an assessment of transportation information needs as viewed by professionals active in the work of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) and by selected policy makers. The paper begins with a description of the relationship between data, as the raw material, and information as the processed, useful product supporting decisions. It summarizes data needs as identified by members of TRB technical committees. The value of information in specific decisions is illustrated with a series of real examples and further elucidated through the results of decision maker interviews. Finally, an ongoing process is outlined to help ensure that transportation information needs are met. The results of this effort emphasize the importance of understanding decision-maker needs in the development of data and analysis programs; underscore the value of national transportation databases; remind us that, like any asset, data require investment of resources to produce a return of value; illustrate the efficiencies of sharing data across regions and agencies; and stress the importance of the timely availability of data to support decisions.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Print
  • Features: Figures; Tables;
  • Pagination: 28p
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01039148
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS, TRB
  • Created Date: Jan 10 2007 4:28PM