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ResourcesPeer Exchange on Applications of Geographic Information Systems in the Right-of-Way AreaPrepared for the Office of Interstate and Border Planning
Federal Highway Administration U.S. Department of Transportation Table of ContentsI. Summary I. SummaryIn August 2007, the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Office of Interstate and Border Planning and Office of Real Estate Services sponsored a 1.5-day peer exchange focusing on select State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the Right-of-Way (ROW) area. The purpose of the peer exchange was to allow State DOTs with noteworthy GIS applications for ROW to share their knowledge and experiences with each other and with State DOTs in the beginning stages of implementing GIS in the ROW area. Participants at the event, which was hosted by Missouri DOT at its District 4 Office in Lee's Summit, Missouri, consisted of staff from FHWA Headquarters, FHWA Kansas Division, FHWA Missouri Division, Illinois DOT, Kansas DOT, Minnesota DOT, Missouri DOT, Ohio DOT, Oregon DOT, USDOT Volpe Center, Virginia Tech University, and Washington DOT (See Appendix A for complete participants list). II. BackgroundThe Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended (the Uniform Act), establishes the rules, policies and procedures for acquiring real property — or right–of–way (ROW) — and the relocation of individuals and businesses affected by Federally-funded projects. Congress enacted this law to ensure that people whose real property is acquired, or who move as a result of projects receiving Federal funds, will be treated fairly and equitably, and will receive assistance in moving from the property they occupy. The Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987 designated the USDOT as the Federal Lead Agency for the Uniform Act. This responsibility has been delegated to the FHWA and is carried out by the Office of Real Estate Services; state DOTS generally implement statewide ROW programs. Recognizing that geospatial applications can be effective and efficient ROW decision-support tools, some state DOTs have begun using GIS to automate ROW functions. Published in December 2006, TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Research Results Digest 310: Integrating Geospatial Technologies into the Right-of-Way Data-Management Process (NCHRP Project 8-55) 1 describes the first steps in automating the information technology process required for ROW acquisition and management. In order to follow-up on this work, as well as to promote and encourage both the exchange of experiences and knowledge, FHWA sponsored a peer exchange focusing on GIS applications in the ROW area. 2 This report provides a summary of the presentations made and discussions taking place at the peer exchange. It should serve as a resource for other DOTs and transportation agencies looking to learn more about successful implementations — or planned implementations — of GIS for ROW. Lessons learned by the participating DOTs can be found in the concluding section. III. Presentations and DiscussionDay 1 - Wednesday, August 8, 2007 Welcome and Introductions Mr. Sarmiento opened the peer exchange by describing the suite of activities FHWA Office of Interstate and Border Planning has supported over the last several years that promote GIS implementation and/or knowledge exchange at and among state DOTs. Some of these activities have been:
To conclude, Mr. Sarmiento presented several graphs illustrating the results from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' (AASHTO) previous annual surveys on GIS and transportation presented. By describing some of the recent national trends, peer exchange participants were given an opportunity to understand where the GIS for ROW discussion falls into the broader context of GIS implementation across the current transportation enterprise. Peer exchange participants were encouraged to submit GIS for ROW papers to be considered for inclusion in next year's — and future years' — GIS–T Symposium. Comments, Questions, and Answers
Overview of NCHRP Project 8-55 Ms. Hancock discussed her work and involvement with the NCHRP Project 8-55, which began three years ago. The project has been divided into two phases. The objectives of the phase 1 research, which is now complete, were to (1) identify the data elements that need to be included in a data model for a ROW information system that includes a geospatial component and (2) provide examples, if possible, of return on investment when geospatial capabilities are added to such systems. Phase 1 products include a literature review, an annotated bibliography, available vendor sources for GIS for ROW, and case studies for:
The final report 4 also includes a discussion on how the case studies relate to developing a fully integrated ROW data management system, as well as challenges faced in implementing them. NCHRP Project 8-55 A — Phase 2 Having determined a second phase of this research is practical, the NCHRP panel has approved moving forward with the following eight tasks:
Developing the logical model is a complex task because:
Comments, Questions, and Answers
State DOT Roundtable In order to introduce participants to each other as well as to give an overview of their respective DOT's GIS for ROW activities, a brief roundtable discussion was held. Using a questionnaire distributed in advance of the peer exchange to guide the discussion, participants broadly outlined what interested them about the planned peer exchange agenda topics and how their own DOT's experience related and could contribute to the dialogue. Since the information put forward during the roundtable was a snapshot of the more detailed demonstration and/or presentation each state gave later, the roundtable descriptions of participants' GIS for ROW activities have been folded into the summaries in the section below. Demonstrations and Presentations Kansas DOT Kansas DOT (KDOT) participated in the peer exchange for the first half of Day 1. No formal demonstration or presentation was given. During the roundtable discussion, it was noted that KDOT is at the early stages of looking into how GIS applications can assist with ROW activities; it is currently geospatially enabling data on salvage yards and outdoor advertising boards. A lesson DOT has learned is that a state-level strategic plan for GIS is vital to the development of a successful, statewide GIS. In line with this, KDOT's geospatial efforts have extended beyond the DOT, with coordination and partnering with other state agencies, local governments, and private sector occurring frequently. Executive buy-in through the Kansas Collaborative — a joint effort between the State of Kansas, the Kansas Association of Counties, and the League of Kansas Municipalities that formalizes collaboration between local and state government — has made strides in GIS education and outreach. Missouri DOT Missouri DOT (MoDOT) demonstrated its Realty Asset Inventory Management System (RAI), which was developed by a consultant and became operational on July 1, 2007. The system is a statewide, computerized, relational database (data are stored in Oracle 10G) that allows staff to identify all the DOT's realty assets and assists in identifying properties that are no longer needed for highway purposes. It also houses documentation on all sales, leases, and excess properties, as well as references to other realty of interest, such as environmental, cultural, historical, and wetland mitigation sites. The following flowchart describes the stream of information entering into the RAI:
Before the RAI, MoDOT kept acquisition records in a database. Historically, fields were not populated with great frequency because the system was not data–entry friendly. Auditors recommended that MoDOT staff be able to quickly know what the inventory is. In response, the RAI was developed, and now once parcels are acquired they flow in the RAI. Using the system, staffs are able to quickly search by parcel ID or by county, as well as update information specific to each parcel. This helps to mitigate latency and data integrity issues while streamlining data entry and reporting. Other important features of the RAI include the ability:
Future of the RAI In order to bring staff up to speed on how to use the system MoDOT plans to train two staff members from each district. Training sessions are planned to be three days long with half of the first day focused primarily on the TMS. MoDOT also has plans to create a Google application programming interface (API) of the RAI to give users the look and feel they have grown accustomed to and expect. Comments, Questions, and Answers
Illinois DOT In 1998, IDOT prepared an engineering study and Airport Layout Plan (ALP) for the construction and operation of a commercial service airport at the South Suburban Airport site in Will County, Illinois. The purpose and need for the airport, as stated in its Tier 2 Environmental Impact (EIS), is "to satisfy the need to provide airport facilities to meet the existing and anticipated demands for air carrier, air cargo and general aviation use within the south suburban area of the greater Chicago region." Since the project covers an area requiring the acquisition of many parcels (122 parcels are in inaugural area, with approximately 2000 for the entire site), Illinois DOT (IDOT) wanted to create a geospatially enabled information management system to assist in managing the ROW process. The outcome was the Aeronautical Land Acquisition System (ALAS). Participating remotely via tele– and web–conference, Mr. Tappenbeck, Mr. Schinneer, and Ms. Pearce discussed some of ALAS' functionality and features. One important feature of the web-based system, which allows for the input of a variety of parcel attributes, is its "electronic file cabinet." The cabinet allows users to scan and link documents to related parcels, then print and/or email them as necessary. Currently, there are over 800 fields available to store information for each parcel, and the number of documents that can be linked is unlimited. Because the system interfaces graphical and non-graphical data, ALAS allows for the quick searching of parcel documents via a map viewer. Users can also check to view where parcels have been acquired or where there has been no activity. ALAS gives users flexibility in making reports necessary for effective project management. Customized parcel–specific and/or reports by function (such as maintenance expense) across an entire project, including financial cost data and notification of parcel acquisition, can be quickly created then emailed to appropriate staff. A public version of the system that offers access to a subset of the information available to IDOT staff can be found at www.southsuburbanairport.com/la-welcome.htm. Comments, Questions, and Answers
Minnesota DOT In the early 2000s, Minnesota DOT (Mn/DOT) recognized the need to develop a GIS-based system to maintain and track ROW functions. At the time, there was some inconsistency in how Mn/DOT's eight districts were each performing ROW business functions. This need was not only the result of a large and expanding program but also the recognition that agency downsizing and staff retirements would result in the loss of significant institutional memory 6. In 2003, Mn/DOT purchased a software product used by VDOT, the Right-of-Way and Utilities Management System (RUMS), and modified it to meet their own needs. The system, called REALMS — the Right of Way Electronic Acquisition Land Management System, was developed over two years at a cost of approximately $2 million (VDOT built RUMS for $4 million over 4 years). The first phase of REALMS, which was implemented in August 2005, allows users to quickly access and search right of way information, and then customize and generate reports. Mn/DOT's Right of Way Mapping and Monitoring (RWMM) service, a system designed to support communication of spatial ROW information was designed, built and tested in ArcIMS environments, and resulted in an enterprise ArcIMS web interface template - and included an enterprise spatial data warehouse (SDW). The system links the DOT's ROW maps to corresponding map project management data in REALMS, providing staff a single, real-time source for all ROW maps and their status information. Future plans include expanding the GIS capability based on these developments. In Phase II, MnDOT enhanced the system by creating a single user map interface that allows users to query CAD and raster data, as well as overlay raster data on satellite images of property data. Key deliverables for Phase II included:
A challenge has been that county-level mapping data that is collected for tax purposes is not typically at the level of detail required for Mn/DOT's purposes. For the public, Mn/DOT built on REALMS to provide an Internet-based REALMS Maps application 7. The system allows users to locate specific maps that are part of the State's mapping records. A mark-up feature allows drawing on the maps to illustrate current features or proposed modifications. Comments, Questions, and Answers
Ohio DOT Mr. Blackstone and Mr. Seasly discussed the current status of Ohio DOT's geospatial and parcel data as it relates to its processes for acquiring ROW. Historically, Ohio DOT's GIS activities have not focused on ROW. Some of the obstacles limiting GIS for ROW have included a lack of parcel data sets for the entire state, difficulty in determining how to add parcel data into the existing GIS, and a lack of training for survey teams on some technologies such as GPS. Although Ohio DOT is not doing much with GIS in the ROW area yet, there are a couple activities related to both that Ohio DOT is pursuing. First, a consultant is currently developing a system for Ohio DOT to help staff prepare title reports. At its initial delivery (anticipated October 2007), the system will not be geospatially enabled, but future enhancements are possible. Second, Ohio DOT, in coordination with other state and local agencies in Ohio, has pooled funding to support Ohio's Statewide Imagery Program (OSIP). By the end of 2007, the OSIP will have produced 1–foot, color, orthorectified imagery for the entire state, which Ohio DOT will use to update the road network. During imagery acquisition, counties were given the opportunity to request 6–inch data, in addition to the 1–foot data available for free; counties were only asked to pay the difference in cost between the two. Twenty–two of 88 counties opted to fund acquisition of the 6–inch imagery. The cost to fly then entire state cost approximately $5 million. Oregon DOT Ms. Gowen and Mr. Stone gave a brief presentation on the GIS interface Oregon DOT uses for accessing property files. Oregon DOT currently stores ROW document content in FileNet, an Internet-based Enterprise Content Management (ECM) suite of tools; it is several SQL database with a Web front–end. For the technically oriented, the metadata is stored in a SQL database and content is stored in a file store. Currently, the Department uses 2 legacy systems that are Access front end user interfaces that interact with a single SQL database for workflow activities. Oregon DOT is working to replace the legacy systems and use the FileNet ECM system, which is envisioned to include Business Process Management, eForms functionality, Records Management and Email Management, along with traditional ECM content management such as check in/check out and versioning. As part of these enhancements, all of Oregon DOT's parcel maps were scanned and georeferenced and data regarding each parcel (township/range/section) data is being captured by the placement of centriods. Users will be able to select both maps and parcel files directly by using an enhanced GIS presentation tool. A challenge has been identifying a consistent level of geography for the state's parcel data. For example, some of the parcel maps were at the milepost level, while others were at the culvert number or parcel level. Oregon DOT is currently working to develop a way to reconcile these data. Oregon DOT captures ROW files by scanning them and putting them into the FileNet enterprise content management system. Thought it would be cool to offer these data via a GIS interface. Now georeferencing the scanned parcel maps. By the end of the year, the GIS interface will show footprints and centriods of every parcel the DOT owns. Comments, Questions, and Answers
Washington DOT Ms. Blaesing-Thompson and Mr. Gallinger briefly discussed the background leading to NCHRP Project 8–55. For several years, WSDOT worked to obtain funding for a feasibility study for adding GIS capabilities to all its computers. During this time period, ROW staff was looking for opportunities to demonstrate to executives why it is important to geospatially enable a ROW system. Ultimately, NCHRP funding was acquired to investigate the need for and a process to move GIS activities into the ROW area. Now moving into its second phase, the NCHRP project aims to set forth a model for how WSDOT meets the requirements of the Uniform Act. Flowcharts are being developed to assist in the thinking about how to go about meeting ROW needs of projects. Current WSDOT Activities
Challenges WSDOT Faces in the GIS for ROW Area
Comments, Questions, and Answers
IV. Lessons Learned and RecommendationsOn Day 2 of the peer exchange, participants from each state DOT highlighted the lessons they had learned and are learning in their efforts to geospatially enable their respective ROW management systems. These lessons and recommendations are listed below:
Recommendations
Appendix A. Participants List
Appendix B. GIS for ROW AgendaGIS for ROW Agenda
________________________ References1. Research Results Digest 310: Integrating Geospatial Technologies into the Right-of-Way Data-Management Process, NCHRP Project 8-55: http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rrd_310.pdf, Appendices: http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_w95.pdf. (back) 2. Related research that FHWA's Office of Real Estate Services has sponsored includes Geographic Information System Implementation of State Department of Transportation Right-of-Way Programs, published in July 2004. The report documents best practice methods for implementing GIS in the ROW functional areas most likely targeted for GIS application. www.fhwa.dot.gov/realestate/rowsurvjuly04.htm (back) 3. The final report for the Executive Scan is available at www.gis.fhwa.dot.gov/execscan.asp. (back) 4. Appendices for NCHRP Project 8-55 are available at http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_w95.pdf. (back) 5. AASHTOWare is software jointly developed by transportation agencies to address commonly perceived needs and problems. The AASHTOWare website is www.aashtoware.org/?siteid=28. (back) 6. FHWA Domestic Scan Program: Best Practices in Right-of-Way Acquisition and Utilities Relocation: www.fhwa.dot.gov/REALESTATE/scans/bprowscan.htm (back) 7. REALMS Maps: http://dotapp3.dot.state.mn.us/cyberdocs_guest/Libraries/Default_Library/Groups/GUESTS/frameset.asp 8. ORMAP: www.ormap.com/ (back) |
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United States Department of Transportation - Federal Highway Administration |
