The system's intelligent maps incorporate live traffic volume and speed information from SCDOT's GIS; automated traffic recorders; evacuation route and detour maps; traffic cameras; and real-time weather data.
The Web application integrates interactive maps with dynamic traffic volume and traffic speed charts and graphs. Using a combination of maps, charts and graphs, SCDOT personnel can analyze and estimate evacuation traffic. The system enables SCDOT to compare current traffic trends with normal loads, look for traffic slow-downs and determine if alternative routes should be opened and/or lane directions should be reversed on selected routes.
Donald McElveen, manager of GIS and Mapping, SCDOT, said, "Previously, when monitoring traffic for a hurricane, we pulled reports hourly and only in one set format. With the new system, we can pull our standard reports instantly and then also provide additional data or generate reports based on customized requests, thus allowing us to look at things differently and be more responsive during the emergency situation. We used the system again this past weekend with Tropical Storm Gaston and were able to provide traffic information easily with the new Web system."
The solution based on Intergraph's GeoMedia WebMap, first implemented in 1999, was recently upgraded to provide better interactivity for automating reports as well as simplifying non-technical user operation. New functionality added to the system extends reporting capabilities to give officials more flexibility for traffic analysis. In addition, the system can now generate analysis reports more quickly. For example, speed capacity reports previously took up to five minutes to download from the emergency center computers. Now they are available to download the reports within seconds.
