The complete railroad crossing inventory analysis tool
Application architecture
CIIMS is developed inside a Microsoft Visual Basic
TM programming structure. Visual
Basic
TM was used because of its ability to provide CIIMS as a high-performing, scalable
application. Visual Basic
TM also has several database tools integrated into it that allowed
for easy interaction between CIIMS and the database. Additionally, Visual Basic
TM had
the ability to incorporate third-party components and add-in technologies.
Data was stored in an Oracle
TM relational database system. Functions within CIIMS
accessed the data directly in Oracle
TM, in addition to, storing data within the application.
Oracle
TM was the most practical choice for a relational database because the client was
already utilizing Oracle
TM technologies. Alternatives were researched but eliminated
because of extra steps needed for seamless data interaction between multiple relational
databases and because of the costs associated with managing two back-end databases.
Third party controls were used because of their ability to supplement Visual Basic
TM and
provide an easy way to add functionality to the program. Reports were generated from
Seagate's Crystal Reports
TM controls. Images for crossings used Lead controls and True
DB Grid was used for database viewing enhancements. With these controls, reports can
be created in a variety of formats, images can be accessed quickly and data can be
interacted with directly.
The GIS module platform used Intergraph's GeoMedia
TM controls. Controls in
GeoMedia
TM were used because they provided the application with the desired GIS
functionality and because the client already had standardized GIS applications running on
the Geomedia
TM GIS platform.
Application interface
The CIIMS application and its proposed functionality were designed for users to have
quick access to all of its components. The following section describes the functionality
of CIIMS and how users interact with the application.
Before CIIMS is loaded, a logon screen requires a password to start the two-tiered CIIMS
application. The user is authenticated and given rights based on a user profile set-up by
the Oracle DBA. The first tier is for administrative purposes; it has full functionality
throughout the application including rights to make changes to the OracleTM database.
The second tier is for the standard user who can generate all the queries, reports, and
analysis features within CIIMS but has no rights to update the database.
After a successful login, the Main Screen gives the user the opportunity to navigate to
any portion of the application. A menu system allows reports to be generated, queries to
be performed, or a map to be viewed. Buttons and menu options allow a cost analysis
dialog box or a report generator window to be opened. There are several ways data
interaction can be initiated. For example, if all the crossings within certain county were
needed for analysis, an interactive GIS Mapping Window could be opened in a few steps
to show all of the crossings. A Tabular Window could also be similarly opened to
display more detailed information stored in the database.
The GIS Mapping Window provides several interactive tools. Features on the map (e.g.,
railroad track segments, highways, and county boundaries) can be turned on or off.
Standard functions such as pan and zoom capabilities allow navigation through the map.
The user can also select a subset of crossings by simply typing in a crossing number or
county name from the Query Window. The extent of the map zooms directly to the
selected set of crossings. This function assists in finding crossings in cases where the
exact location is not known. Crossings on the map can also be selected via a selection
tool. Once a crossing or crossings are selected the user has direct access to specific
information. Other functions throughout CIIMS are available to the selected set of
crossings.
A set of crossings can also be selected from the Table Window. The Table Window
provides all the information stored in the database pertaining to the crossings. Categories
of related information are organized into several views so that reviewing the data is more
intuitive. An index tool provides a way to allow any subcategory of information to be
selected while in the Table Window. A toggle function allows for selected crossings to
be viewed either in the Table Window or in the GIS Mapping Window.
Cost Analysis and Corridor Analysis windows provide calculations and "what-if"
scenarios to be performed on selected sets of crossings. Functions within CIIMS store
data into variables outside of the database so "what-if" statements can be performed that
do not alter the contents of the database.
Photographs for each crossing are accessible through the Image Window. After selecting
a crossing from the map window or the table window, the user can open the Image
Window. From this window, any one of the five pictures for a particular crossing can be
viewed.
The Reports Window, which is accessible throughout CIIMS, gives the opportunity for
reports to be viewed on screen or printed to a hard copy format. The formats and page
setups for the reports will be predefined but can be altered by the user for slight
customization. For example, the user can sort the reports by a primary and secondary
field.
Summary
Without sufficient tools for analysis, it is difficult to take advantage of the abundance of
information that is available within an organization. It is important that organizations
take advantage of recent advancements in data collection, data storage, data management
and the analysis of information. By creating a custom application that is intuitive to use,
KDOT was able to easily take full advantage of nearly 750,000 pieces of information.
The utilization of information technology will greatly enhance the methods of identifying
railroad crossings that have the highest potential for accidents in the effort to improve
safety for motorists across Kansas.
