Developing PhillyFreightFinder: Regional Data Clearinghouse and Online Mapping Application - Freight Demand Modeling and Data Improvement Implementation Support

2017PDFBooklet/PamphletFHWA-HOP-16-078Freight transportationData collectionTravel demandVisualizationUnited StatesUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationYuan, F.Ruane, Michael F.Pandey, BiratFederal Highway AdministrationWhen the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) launched the PhillyFreightFinder application in 2013, it established a structured program to collect and integrate freight-related data into a single location. The launch of PhillyFreightFinder represented the first step in DVRPC\u2019s undertaking to develop a centralized data clearinghouse and online mapping application. DVRPC, which serves as the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the nine counties surrounding Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, then sought to enhance and expand PhillyFreightFinder for internal planning purposes as well as to help meet the needs of public and private sector freight partners. DVRPC sought and received funding from the Strategic Highway Research Program 2 (SHRP2) C20 Implementation Assistance Program to do so, updating its underlying data, developing new processes for importing data, refining the mapping application, and adding options for data visualization. This project\u2019s goals include: (1) Update and expand freight datasets and refine procedures for data integration; (2) Improve online data visualization capabilities to enhance stakeholder understanding and engagement; and (3) Create documentation to make the platform accessible as an open source tool for use and customization by other organizations.82