Technology has improved our daytime work management, and now it’s improving our nighttime road safety.
Appleton will soon adopt a revolutionary GIS-based road sign inventory system and data collection service that will track the deterioration of road sign retro-reflectivity. The system will help Appleton meet minimum sign “retro-reflectivity” standards set by the Federal Highway Administration in order to improve traffic safety.
Previously, retro-reflectivity was tracked and predicted on paper. The new system will compile maintenance work orders that workers can access on-site using mobile devices and tablets. These devices communicate with and update changes to the main database automatically.
The system works by calculating expected sign life using retro-reflectivity deterioration rates combined with sign sheeting color and type. Based on expected sign life, signs can be replaced as needed.
Michael Healander, GISi state and local government general manager, said Appleton’s web and mobile system will become a “repeatable framework a repeatable framework for other cities and counties,” according to the Government Technology article.
Read more about the system: http://www.govtech.com/transportation/Appleton-Wis-GIS-Road-Sign-Inventory.html
