DOTD standards for GPS data collection accuracy.

Kent, J. D.; Mugnier, C.; Cavell, J. A.; Dunaway, L. · 2015 · ROSA P / Louisiana Transportation Research Center

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Summary

This report addresses the need for standardized, accurate, and consistent Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data collection practices within the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). The study was motivated by the absence of established departmental standards for general staff and contractors using mapping-grade GPS technology, despite existing standards for the specialized survey section. Additionally, recent updates to the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) created inconsistencies between historic and contemporary measurements, necessitating clarification for technical personnel. Finally, the DOTD Pavement Management System (PMS) required updated control point data to assess the quality of Moving Vehicle Rapid Mapping (MVRM) inventory data. The Louisiana State University Center for GeoInformatics conducted a three-part study. First, researchers evaluated existing practices and hardware, specifically the Trimble GeoXH 6000, to develop Standard Operating and Collection Procedures (SOCPs). These guidelines emphasize techniques for achieving sub-foot accuracy, such as managing dilution of precision, avoiding signal interference, and using laser range finders. Second, the team summarized recent enhancements to the national horizontal and vertical datums, specifically the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83) national adjustment of 2011 and the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD88) geoid 2012A. Third, the researchers performed field surveys at designated roadway sites across multiple DOTD districts. Using survey-grade GNSS techniques augmented by the LSU C4GNet real-time network, they collected horizontal and vertical control point measurements. They also assessed how vehicle speed affects kinematic survey accuracy. The findings include a comprehensive SOCP document serving as an operational guide for DOTD personnel, detailing protocols for equipment setup, error avoidance, and data collection to ensure consistency. The report clarifies the implications of the NSRS updates, noting that while horizontal precision generally exceeds vertical precision, the new geoid models require specific adjustments to maintain accuracy in orthometric height measurements. Field results provided updated control surveys for the PMS section, including horizontal positions in US Survey Feet relative to NAD83 (NA 2011) and vertical positions relative to NAVD88 (2012A). The study also generated data on the deviation of measurements at various speeds, allowing the PMS to evaluate contractor performance and data quality. The significance of this work lies in its provision of a unified framework for GNSS usage across the DOTD, ensuring that mapping-grade data meets minimum accuracy standards. By establishing clear SOCPs and clarifying datum changes, the report reduces operational inconsistencies and supports the training of department staff and contractors. Furthermore, the provided control point measurements enable rigorous quality assurance for the state’s road inventory, ensuring that spatial data used for pavement management is reliable and consistent with national geodetic standards.

Key finding

The study produced specific Standard Operating and Collection Procedures and updated control point measurements to serve as quality control benchmarks for assessing Moving Vehicle Rapid Mapping data accuracy.

Methodology

field_study

Provenance

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• lane positioning