THEORY AND PRACTICE: LINEAR REFERENCING AT THE IDAHO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT

In this paper, the author argues in favor of simplifying a generic model for linear referencing by identifying the fundamental components as the minimum number of data elements (variables) required to uniquely identify an anchor section or point in time and space; and treating literally everything else, including routes (traversals) and route systems (networks), as events, features, characteristics, and classifications that are attributed to and related together by the fundamental components which reference the anchor sections and points. He uses the existing Linear Referencing System (LRS) at the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) to illustrate that this model has actually been in use since 1978. Anchor sections are defined by stable, permanent, arbitrary ID #s, beginning and ending milepoints and effective and expiration dates. Because the beginning and ending anchor points are defined by measured off-sets, all interior points are anchor points for the purpose of dynamic segmentation. The successful longevity of ITD's LRS - 18 years - testifies to its flexibility, utility, and effectiveness.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

  444 North Capitol Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Rowell, R C
• Conference:
  • Ninth Symposium on Geographic Information Systems for Transportation (GIS-T)
  • Location: Kansas City, Missouri
  • Date: 1996-3-31 to 1996-4-4
• Publication Date: 1996

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 1-9

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Geographic information systems; Mathematical models; Referencing; Transportation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Linear; Transportation models
• Subject Areas: Planning and Forecasting; Transportation (General); I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00727012
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 1 1996 12:00AM