An Assessment of Remote Sensing Applications in Transportation

Remote sensing is an innovative science and technology that is aiding in numerous modes of transportation. Almost every aspect of transportation can benefit from utilizing imagery and data. Specifically, these technologies can be applied to planning, environmental impact assessment, hazard and disaster response, infrastructure management, traffic assessment, and homeland security planning (“Transportation and Remote Sensing,” 1999). The United States transportation system is a critical component of our economy and mobility (Williamson, Morain, Budge, & Hepner, 2002). There are millions of miles of roadways and bridges to monitor and maintain. In addition, remote sensing can be utilized towards the development and planning of new infrastructure and transportation systems. Remote sensing provides the unique ability to detect changes in our transportation system on a real-time basis. Imagery can be collected from multiple platforms, including satellite, aircraft-based, and ground-based, which allows data collection to be tailored to a particular transportation application. This paper will provide an overview of some of the potential applications of remote sensing in transportation. Due to the broad scope of this topic, several modes will not be discussed including aviation and marine. The main focus will be on ground transportation, infrastructure, and homeland security as it relates to transportation applications. Emerging technologies, such as hyperspectral remote sensing and LIDAR, will also be discussed. In addition, the Nebraska Airborne Remote Sensing Facility, one of only a few operating in the United States will be described. Two tribal communities in Nebraska are utilizing the data collected from the facility to address transportation issues