The department wanted a base map that would provide a high-quality interactive interface and be familiar and easy to use. It also needed to be a tool that its programmers could work with quickly to layer the agency’s own data on the base map and wouldn’t strain its servers.

KDOT’s software solution provider, Intergraph (www.intergraph.com), recommended Virtual Earth to help meet these challenges. KDOT implemented a solution that uses Virtual Earth and Intergraph’s GeoMedia WebMap to create an immersive Web site that incorporates highly detailed imagery of newer roads, more cities of every size, and surrounding topography to provide users a more complete view of the routes they would likely travel. Also, the solution helped KDOT deliver a reliable, interactive experience for users, even with increased traffic to the Web site, and without server issues.

According to Kaufman, feedback from constituents on the site’s rich, detailed maps has been positive. "People point out that [the new site] helps them make better decisions, and they appreciate the information," he explains. "One benefit for the public is the volume of cities, smaller roads and other terrain features provided."

The Web site shows rural areas as well as main arterials, and shows construction projects and traffic incidents. In some areas, it also shows a detailed menu of weather conditions, including ice, slush, and packed or drifting snow, as well as the latest information on road closures. In addition, the system gives constituents familiar local reference points so they can easily identify the locations of KDOT’s work zones and winter road conditions. 

Virginia DOT Makes Better Travel Decisions at a Glance
Known as the gateway to the South, Virginia is at the midway point between New York City and Miami. With the third largest road network in the United States under its charge, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) desired new ways to deliver current traffic information to help keep the state’s highways moving.

VDOT’s Web site had been using a one-dimensional mapping solution that didn’t allow for easy integration of other data, such as weather or traffic events. The agency wanted to find a more robust solution that could easily integrate GeoRSS and live highway-camera feeds. The agency also wanted internal-facing applications that would help staff visualize areas of potential flooding, roads with weight restrictions and other important data for planning.

In 2008, the agency created the www.511Virginia.org Web site, one of the only transportation agency Web sites in the United States that features Microsoft Virtual Earth point-to-point routing, allowing users to select from different routing options, zoom in on locations, and learn road and weather conditions and where crews are working.

"Site usage is heavier in the winter, when people are looking for updates on clearing snowy roads," says Bill Cannell, the agency’s information technology project manager. "We’re doing our jobs better by keeping the public up to date with the best information we have."

Another popular site created by the department provides information on truck restrictions. Truckers can see which roads and routes are open to their size and type of vehicle.
 

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