National Data Model Overview

A key component of the National Model project is to identify technologies that support its goals, demonstrate those that are in place in Iowa and develop those that are not yet available or “gaps” in the Iowa technology environment. Several of the following other ITS technology projects in this package are key to the National Model. They are:

  • Bar Coding IRP Registration Cab Cards
  • Mobile Digital Radios
  • Bar Code Readers
  • ADVANTAGE Safety
  • Driver License Bar coding/Magnetic Stripe
  • Inspection Selection Systems and P C Miler
  • GPS Applications Dispatch and Vehicle Crash Location

Global Positioning Systems (GPS) have been piloted for crash location in Des Moines and West Des Moines. A major National Model work activity will combine GPS with smart map systems to enhance accuracy and timeliness of vehicle crash data reporting.

The Iowa DOT has the capability to access all roadway attribute information currently reported by officers and drivers from the base road inventory records simply by identifying the street (road) name, the lat/long coordinates and lane direction. This makes it possible to pursue the development of a true GIS/GPS crash location procedure for officers and DOT staff. It is anticipated the field version of this new procedure will include one or all of the following:

  • A GIS “smart map” application to allow the officer to “point and click” at the exact location of the crash on a local area map. The mapping software will identify and pass the street name, the lat/long coordinates and lane direction to the MARS application.

  • to "grab" the lat/long coordinates and pass them to the MARS application completely transparent to the officer.

  • A GPS application already running on the mobile PC to support AVL/CAD to queue up a local area map in a GIS "smartmap" application. The officer will "point and click" on the exact location of the crash and the mapping software will derive the street name, lat/long coordinates and lane direction and pass the data to the MARS application.

mobile PC Officer using mobile PC

Some of the goals and expected benefits of the National Model project are improving data acquisition for roadway incidents, leveraging proven technology for law enforcement, streamlining the communication of safety information to key stakeholders, and extending the use of this information for short and long-range safety and law enforcement programs.

This is the third year of the three-year project. Significant progress has been made in the key areas of communications, field data collection, statewide data collection/distribution/analysis, local systems integration, event location and mobile data computers and associated peripheral devices.

Program Contact

Tony Aiken

202-366-6994

Harry Taylor

202-366-2175

What's New

Data and Analysis Tools

SafetyAnalyst

Crash Reduction Factors