New Jointly Developed Sign Management
Program Now Available
from On the Move, Summer (June) Quarter 1998, Volume 11, Number 2
Go back to "The Utah Technology Transfer Center On the Move Summer 1998 Newsletter"
An unprecedented new traffic sign management program resulting from a partnership between the
Utah T² Center, the Utah Department of Transportation, and InGeo (formerly Smart Map
Systems LLC) is now available as InGeo Signs. The T² Center spearheaded this project to
provide an easy-to-use, GIS-based complete sign management system for state and local
transportation agencies. Primary goals of the partnership were to provide a user-friendly program
for sign management and maintenance to assure safe and efficient traffic operations as well as
reduce the risks and liabilities associated with traffic accidents.
Highlights of the program include ease of use, integration with GIS, and field-to-office record
keeping. Ten minutes of training has been all that many users have required to operate the
program. This unprecedented ease of use helps managers to focus on the job of managing their
signs and not on learning software.
Benefits of a sign management program for transportation agencies include:
improved safety for traveling public
decreased risks of accidents and liability
reduction in liability insurance rates
improved management and maintenance of traffic sign systems
Some of the key features of the InGeo Signs program include the following:
GIS Integration
InGeo Signs is directly integrated with GIS and uses location as the basis for the program. This
approach solves the common problem of keeping signs in a prescribed order. This unique way of
organizing the sign inventory provides many user benefits. First, all signs are displayed on a map
using MUTCD symbols. The interaction with the sign database is then visual rather than simply
text driven. Second, signs can be displayed with other geographic data including traffic and
accident data for analysis of traffic operations. A complete set of geographic data entry tools is
included with the software including support for GPS receivers and a map entry interface
A single user, single application version of InGeo MapDesk is included with each license of
InGeo Signs. InGeo MapDesk is a GIS data viewer built using ESRI's MapObjects and
supports all ESRI GIS data formats including ArcView shapefiles.
Field and Warehouse Inventory
Cradle-to-grave lifecycle management of signs is fully provided. Signs that are installed or are
stored in the warehouse are maintained as part of the inventory. Management of stock on hand is
as simple as running a query to determine what is available. The field inventory is organized by
location with supports and signs attached to a location. Over 20 sign characteristics are
maintained including location, MUTCD code, size, type, materials, condition, and
retroreflectivity.
Work Orders, History, and GIS & Sign Database Replication
Record keeping of the work performed on the sign inventory is essential to a successful sign
management program. InGeo Signs keeps complete histories of work performed on signs,
supports, and sign locations. Additionally, work orders can be issued and tracked including work
task assignments and crew assignments. All completed work orders are kept in the history
allowing managers to go back and view the complete life history of any sign.
Included with the program are utilities to manage multiple data collection crews, and to make
field-to-office database updates and GIS updates. Both electronic and paper-based reporting are
included in the program to make field updates and reports of completed work.
Stored Queries and Reports
The ability to create and store queries is one of the programs most unique features. Users can
query over 40 fields of information including locations, sign types, dates, sizes, condition etc.
These queries can then be stored for easy retrieval and reuse. This allows managers to determine
their total sign needs and develop budgets, workplans and orders to meet those needs. Through
simple retrieval and execution of queries, managers can immediately or periodically track progress
and status of work. The result of each query can then be sent to a variety of standard report
formats.
Data Collection, Integrated Device Support, Sign Library
Collection of sign properties including location, type, material, condition, text, numbers, visibility,
retroreflectivity and other fields are included. Additionally, provision is made for sign support
material, type, size, dates and other fields to be recorded. A complete data collection system that
supports the use of such data collection equipment as GPS (including differential post-processing), and digital cameras, along with direct editing of GIS shapefiles, and database
updating are included as part of the software. An on-line sign library that stores standard sign
properties and the images of over 400 MUTCD sign symbols is also provided.
Enterprise View
Complete multiple user support is also available to distribute sign data throughout the agency.
Provisions are included to set user permissions including view only, update, and add/delete to
protect the integrity of data.
InGeo Signs is now available for $2,995.00. Users can save $500 by purchasing the program
before July 31, 1998. Contact InGeo at (435) 755-9837 to purchase InGeo Signs or contact
the Utah T² Center. InGeo Signs runs on Windows 95 and Windows NT.