Use of Remote Sensing for Collection of Data Elements for Linear Referencing Systems

This report evaluates the use of remotely sensed images in implementing the Iowa DOT LRS that is currently in the stages of system architecture. The Iowa Department of Transportation is investing a significant amount of time and resources into creation of a linear referencing system (LRS). A significant portion of the effort in implementing the system will be creation of a datum, which includes geographically locating anchor points and then measuring anchor section distances between those anchor points. Currently, system architecture and evaluation of different data collection methods to establish the LRS datum is being performed for the DOT by an outside consulting team. This research extends that work by further evaluating the use of remotely sensed images for different components of the LRS. Specifically, the use of imagery for creation of the datum, including locating anchor points and measuring anchor sections; producing a spatial representation of the datum; and locating intermediate intersections along the datum were investigated. Three imagery datasets were evaluated in the various studies. They included a 6-inch resolution dataset, a 24-inch resolution dataset, and a 1-meter resolution dataset. The 1-meter dataset simulated the best satellite data available commercially. A 2-inch resolution dataset was evaluated for several of the studies. However, coverage in the images was limited so it could not be fully evaluated. Additionally, Roadware consultants agreed and measured five test segments (located in Pilot Study Area 2) using a DMI and DGPS as part of pavement condition assessment they were conducting