Location-based highway construction planning using geographic information systems

Abstract

The present study demonstrates the ability of the Geographic Information System (GIS) to single-handedly implement location-based planning (LBP) on a highway construction project. LBP has traditionally been employed in the planning of highway construction projects, but only in parts. Currently, a number of software tools are utilized in the planning and scheduling of a highway construction project. Maintaining, displaying, and analysing all the information on a single platform will make significant improvements in the accuracy, understanding, and implementation of the plans and schedules. Various types of graphical and non-graphical highway project information can be maintained within GIS. Tools have been developed to compute location-based work quantities, create a location-based work schedule, and prepare a location-based cost estimate, all within GIS. Using GIS for highway construction planning has great potential to solve many problems currently faced by highway project planners.