Development of a statewide highway safety data warehouse: Massachusetts data warehouse and web-based access

Abstract

This paper, from the Traffic Records Forum, held in Buffalo, NY in 2005, describes the use of data warehousing as a solution to the problems inherent in acquiring and using multiple data sets. Data warehousing combines front-end access with a system for housing multiple data sets. The authors describe how the design and implementation of a traffic safety data warehouse can address four common highway safety data problems: lack of a central repository for safety data; lack of standards for data use; lack of historical data and historical knowledge of database frameworks; and limited access to data. The authors provide a brief overview of the steps undertaken in the implementation of a data warehouse and front-end access system, using the Massachusetts data warehouse and web-based access system as one example. The authors also focus on the need for ongoing evaluation and modification of the system, to better meet users needs.