Traffic Signal Application
In 2010, SPC moved forward in serving up the region’s data resources in applications to assist plans and programs. Starting with a comprehensive database of nearly 2,800 traffic signals located in nearly 300 municipalities across the region, SPC took steps to transform this data into an asset management system for access by SPC, PennDOT and the City of Pittsburgh.
To begin, SPC incorporated the signal locations into a Google Maps interface to create a web-based traffic signal map, accessible by the project partners as well as the public from SPC’s website. Working with the project stakeholders, SPC incorporated spatial data already present in the regional geographic information system (GIS), and developed multiple data tables containing mandatory information about a signal’s location, status, hardware, connectivity and ownership.
Expanding on the map data, the project partners finalized protocols and data collection methods for field work that verified signal locations and conditions. By linking the GIS data to original permit drawings provided by PennDOT, the age and configuration of each signalized intersection is maintained in one location. As field work commenced, additional data forms were built to house information on the electronic systems and maintenance cycles of the signals. SPC also incorporated municipal contact information and electrical contractors responsible for signal timing and maintenance into the system.
The project was amplified by a consultant team into an online database complete with full editing capabilities of the signal data, and options to link photographs, turning movement diagrams, and maintenance logs for each signal. The database was then expanded to include an online map application built from SPC’s regional GIS and aerial photography, and incorporated the necessary server hardware and software to host the application for access by the project partners. The application continues to evolve as SPC incorporates the locations and principal data for signal flashers and beacons across the region.
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CMP Application
Through the use of new yet simple global positioning system (GPS) data collection equipment, SPC collected waypoints along corridors that are evaluated as part of the region’s Congestion Management Program (CMP). The GPS waypoints contain location, time, and speed information during the travel run, and staff import the data into a base map, along with SPC’s in-house GIS data depicting municipalities, the road network, traffic signals and CMP corridors. The GPS data verifies travel points and speed along the travel corridors, while locally developed street maps confirm the validity and accuracy of travel times during congested and off-peak hours. The use of the new equipment has increased the efficiency in collecting and processing data from the travel runs, and staff will be working to expand the use of this equipment to additional corridors in 2011 and beyond.
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Transit Application
SPC has been working with the region’s transit operators to advance an inventory of transit routes and stops across the region. Working with the member transit agencies, GIS staff have assimilated data for every stop and route in the region, and are keeping tabs on the components when the providers implement service changes or adjustments to their systems. Map data is enhanced and returned to the service providers for their use and to encourage communication back to SPC when updates are made. SPC has also aggregated the data to work with “RouteShout”, a free mobile and smart-phone application that informs riders of the location of the nearest bus stop and the schedule of buses that use the stop. Currently, 153 transit agencies in the United States and Canada have configured their transit route and stop data to mesh with the mobile application.
Staff have intersected stop and route data with the region’s demographic statistics for low income, minority, elderly and disabled populations, and those with mobility limitations to aid in the update of the Southwestern PA Public Transit Human Services Coordinated Transportation Plan. By examining the regional transit network against these variables and the locations of employment opportunities and available housing, Plan participants can assess the transportation needs of traditionally disadvantaged populations and adopt a coordinated strategy to correct deficiencies and improve the delivery of integrated transportation services.
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Incorporating New Data to Advance Projects and Plans
To aid in linking people and communities with plans and programs, SPC has expanded its efforts to pull together an extensive set of diverse data resources.
Recently, SPC and local staff at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) initiated a strategy to incorporate data depicting subsidized housing into SPC’s Long Range Transportation and Development Plan, as well as for use in other SPC plans and programs. SPC incorporated housing data representing properties managed across several HUD programs into the regional GIS. The HUD data included location information for geocoding, along with detailed data on HUD finance programs, the number of housing units, and vacancy rates. SPC developed mapping that compares property locations with the region’s transit routes and the Vision Scenario for the region’s Long Range Plan. SPC is using the data to complement project evaluation and determining levels of service and access. Most notably, the data will enhance benefits 
and burdens analysis of projects and plans, and as a component to SPC’s Environmental Justice efforts.
To determine where land use has changed across the region, SPC has completed a detailed review of the 2000 and 2006 Land Use / Land Cover inventories for Southwestern Pennsylvania. SPC catalogued land cover from high resolution aerial photography from the years 2000 and 2006 to classify every square mile in the region. Statistics were generated for each year and were also calculated to show where change has occurred between the time periods. These detailed community inventories are a foundation data layer for municipal and county land use plans.
To assist project evaluation for the Transportation Improvement Plan and the region’s Long Range Transportation Plan, SPC has incorporated extensive data on vehicle crashes for the streets and highways in our region. Utilizing PennDOT’s Crash Data Analysis and Retrieval Tool (CDART), staff are able to query and retrieve data on reported crashes along the Commonwealths roads. Data extracted from CDART is analyzed by SPC to supplement the review of potential strategies to alleviate congestion and improve safety along our highways. Numerous data sets have been analyzed in support of SPC’s Regional Traffic Signal Program, the Regional Operations Plan, and road safety audits.
SPC has also received an extensive collection of data from the PA Historical and Museum Commission representing historic sites and structures in the region along with information on archaeological sites. Staff have incorporated the data into the regional GIS as part of strategic initiatives for linking transportation planning and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The data has been folded into a GIS model that assists preliminary NEPA/environmental screenings on potential transportation projects prior to listing on the Transportation Improvement Program and the region’s Long Range Plan.
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