What the Numbers Mean
When working in government, decision makers and managers are constantly under pressure to be more efficient with less time and fewer
resources. Striving to make government more accurate is a constant job in itself. The Noble County Highway Department was no exception.
They had no computerized or digital records. All data was kept on paper maps and tables. Everything from culverts to signs to bridges
were tracked in books, with no way to compare or even see what the county had.
After developing a GIS, the Highway Department began filling it with all the information that had previously been on paper. Culvert,
road striping and sign inventories were entered and connected to searchable maintenance and regulatory information. Structural data
and photographs of bridges were entered from detailed sheets and books. Average Daily Traffic numbers, which can be critical in securing
federal funding, speed limit ordinance and signs were also added.
Results
The GIS allows Noble County to derive additional information from their data, so they can plan rather than react. This leads to more
accuracy, budgets being more in line, and more efficiency because:
- Bridge structural ratings can be looked at immediately to see where the greatest need is, along with appropriate pictures.
- Average daily traffic numbers will be utilized to adjust the state road classification system, leading to additional federal funds.
- Line striping contracts are now put together in a matter of hours as opposed to days.
- Culvert total costs will now be taken into account when a decision to reconstruct a roadway is made.
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