WTI

An Integrated PDA/GPS System to Collect Standardized Road Kill Data

Primary Investigator Contact Information

External Project Contact(s)

Report(s)

1. Roadkill Observation Collection System (ROCS)
   1. Rob Ament, Doug Galarus, Hugh Richardson, Amanda Hardy
   2. 4W1039_Final_Report.pdf

Project Objective

To adapt the prototype data collection software designed in Phase I and to conduct a Phase II pilot study of field-rugged PDA/GPS units that will enable transportation agencies, natural resource management agencies, and other interested parties to easily collect spatially accurate animal road kill data.

Project Abstract

In the U.S. alone, 725,000 - 1,500,000 animal-vehicle accidents are estimated to occur each year. This figure is likely to have increased within the last decade which means even higher ungulate deaths, over 200 human fatalities, and billions of dollars in property damage. Currently, a comprehensive system designed to provide accurate nationwide statistics on animal-vehicle collisions is non-existent. The researchers at WTI are developing the “Roadkill Observation Collection System” (ROCS), integrating customized software with a field-rugged instrument for the collection, integration, and analysis of standardized, spatially-accurate animal-vehicle collision data. This project demonstrates how a Personal Data Assistant (PDA) in combination with a Global Positioning System (GPS) and customized software is an efficient, cost-effective tool to collect spatially accurate and standardized animal-vehicle collision data. Phase I of this project focused on the initial development of a prototype software and hardware data collection system. Currently, Phase II of this project targets “real world” testing of the software and field-rugged PDA-GPS hardware for “proof-of-concept”. The goal of Phase II is to apply the data collection components of the ROCS in a variety of settings and organizations to obtain feedback and adapt the system to ensure stability, ease of use, and applicability of standardized, and spatially precise collection of animal-vehicle collision data. Ultimately, both management and maintenance personnel could be outfitted with this hardware and software to record field data. With accurate, standardized data, transportation agencies will be better able to conduct analyses in order to apply mitigation measures such as wildlife warning signs or wildlife fencing and crossing structures to reduce animal-vehicle collisions and increase driver safety. After Phase II is complete, WTI hopes to deploy larger fleets of the field data collection units for institutional use and application. In addition, WTI would like to expand the output, archiving, and analytical aspects of the system. Other features of the system that also may be developed could include a horizontal expansion of the software to collect other road maintenance or traffic data that have a spatial component.

Task Descriptions

1. Project Management
   1. Project management will involve coordinating and communicating effectively among the various partners involved in Phase II testing. Documentation of both positive and negative feedback will be important for adapting the system and reporting on Phase II’s outcomes.
2. Prepare for Field Testing
   1. Based on field tests of the original prototype hard- and software that was developed in Phase I, the Phase II software (v 2.0) will be upgraded, integrated, and installed on the new field-rugged PDA/GPS hardware units.
3. Research Equipment for Field Testing Pilot Study
   1. Some research will be required for this task in order to select and purchase commercially available, field-rugged PDA/GPS hardware units.
4. Implement Standardized Digital Format and Software
   1. The purpose of this task will be to take the field-ready PDA/GPS units to four field study areas to conduct training and oversee initial use of the date collection system. The software’s standardized digital formats and data fields will be modified based on local site needs.
5. Develop Data Collection System and Software1
   1. Researchers will continue to develop a user-friendly, standardized, and spatially accurate animal-vehicle data collection system in digital format and the corresponding data management software to allow for easier and less labor intensive data integration, analyses, and interpretation.
6. Final Report
   1. The hardware, software, and field test results will be evaluated to provide a comprehensive analysis of the successes and “lessons learned” during the field testing phase. Potential expansion of the ROCS will also be considered for widespread deployment of fleets of the data collection tool.
7. Create Training Materials for Users Outside of WTI
   1. In an effort to introduce this new data collection system to other transportation departments, natural resource management agencies, and other interested parties, a user guide and tutorial CD for operating the field-rugged PDA/GPS hardware units will be designed in this task.

Milestones, Dates, Schedule

Student Involvement

False

Relationship to Other Research Projects

True

Technology Transfer Activities

False

TRB Keywords

Animal-vehicle collisions, standardized data collection, global positioning systems (GPS)

Partners

Washington DOT, Virginia DOT, Parks Canada