Building highway systems with computer graphic simulations

Abstract

A number of computer applications generate perspective drawings of proposed highway designs as a means of design evaluation. The use of this capability is rare in the United States. Examples, developed in France, show computer-generated perspective drawings simulating several actual highway design situations. Highway construction costs are rapidly increasing in the United States prompting a need for design optimization including wider use of computer-generated perspectives and simulations. This is encouraging the development of network-supported intelligent interactive graphic terminals. Congressional testimony supports the need for better ways to communicate proposed highway and transportation system designs to citizen groups. Computer-generated dynamic simulations were used as a basis for Congressional testimony. Computer simulations have been proposed to evaluate alternate commercial signposting situations in the State of Oregon. Two techniques for producing color and landscape enhanced perspectives are available, and electronic microfilm recorders offer promise as a means of producing simulations. There is a growing need for computer-generated simulations for designing better highway systems, and the necessary experience and technology are available.