Introduction
Transportation infrastructure represents one of the largest and most critical investments by any country. Movements of people and goods are vital to every aspect of the country’s economy. Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) based asset management for road and railway transportation system can greatly improve the efficiency of operations, while at the same time, can make significant contributions to safety, including responses to natural and man-made disasters.
The asset management system developed by MaxSys and LASA incorporates the following technologies:
- Geographic Information System (GIS) based digital maps, high-resolution satellite imagery (up to 5 m), digital elevation models based on satellite imagery and appropriate data base management system;
- Global Positioning System (GPS) based Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) hardware units with programmable micro processor to collect x-y-z coordinates at pre-determined intervals along road and railway networks, including storing the waypoints until requested to transmit them wirelessly;
- Wireless data transmission hardware units that can operate in a seamless dual mode over terrestrial (GSM) and satellite (Iridium) based infrastructures, capable of transmitting GPS data on demand or as programmed via the microprocessor.
A particular focus of the technology is applications in disaster management, including the exact location of the site of an accident on digital maps, setting up infrastructures for first responders to accidents, as well as the implementation of efficient, cost effective and timely rescue operations.
Asset Management
There are many definitions of asset management in the literature (see References). They include:
“…a methodology needed by those who are responsible for efficiently allocating generally insufficient funds amongst valid and competing needs.”
— The American Public Works Association Asset Management Task Force
“…a comprehensive and structured approach to the long-term management of assets as tools for the efficient and effective delivery of community benefits.”
— Strategy for Improving Asset Management Practice, AUSTROADS, 1997