Evaluating remotely sensed images for use in inventorying roadway features

Many different methods of inventory data collection are used by transportation agencies in the United States, but are often time consuming and labor intensive. With data requirements for transportation agencies increasing, there is a need for more efficient data collection methods. This paper describes the application of remote sensing for inventorying transportation features. Remote sensing is the process of recording information about an area by measuring reflected or emitted radiation using a sensor that is usually based on an air or space platform. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the use of remotely sensed images for the collection of roadway inventory features. Images individually collected at 2-inch, 6-inch, 24-inch, and 1-meter resolutions were evaluated and compared for the study area. Images were tested for positional accuracy, the number of inventory features that could consistently be identified, and ability to measure linear features.