Through a special pilot project for the Utah Department of Transportation, a user friendly GIS based sign management program that uses the latest inventory and condition survey tools has been developed. The sign management program covers all pertinent elements and details relating to signs and is fully compliant with Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) requirements.

          The program was developed with the assistance of InGEO and utilizes a user-friendly GIS interface, developed by InGEO. Sign data and information covered in the program includes: MUTCD code, visibility rating, backing material, facing material, direction facing, complexity, reflection, illumination, text, text size, retro-reflectivity, digital photographs, height, size, data installed and inspected, and general condition rating. In addition, the program addresses: roadway alignment and location, pavement type, speed limit, route designation roadway width; as well as, support type, size, base, location, material, date installed, date inspected, and support condition rating.

          The program includes query functions that enable users to effectively manage condition, maintain signs, monitor performance, assess safety feature, issue work orders, develop budgets, and determine overall performance. The program is designed for the use of maintenance personnel, risk managers, traffic and safety engineers, and supervisors and administrators. An integrated field data collection system using GPS equipment, retro-reflectometers, digital cameras, laser measuring devices, and ruggedized laptop computers was developed in concert with the program.

          Under this special project, all the state roads in UDOT Region One (Northern Utah) were GPSed and nearly all the signs (18,000 + ) were inventoried, condition-rated, and incorporated into the database of the program. Several cities and counties are interested in using the program. The Center can assist local agencies in implementing and using this sign program, including on-site training, field inventory, condition surveys, and data collection. In addition, training and technical assistance can be provided on the recently updated LTAP Sign Management program, formerly entitled SMS.