Browsing by Subject "Geographic information systems"

Now showing 1 - 10 of 10
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    Characterizing groundwater flow in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, Minnesota a chemical and hydrostratigraphic approach.
    (2012-06) Tipping, Robert G.
    Historic chemical and isotopic data for groundwater within the 11 county Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, extended (TCMAx) were used to distinguish three regional groundwater types based on similar chemical and isotopic composition: 1.) recent waters, characterized by detectable tritium, elevated chloride and/or the presence of anthropogenic compounds; 2.) waters with elevated strontium to calcium plus magnesium ratios; and 3.) naturally elevated chloride-distinct from recent waters based on carbon-14 dating and low chloride to bromide ratios where sufficient data exists. The three-dimensional distribution of these hydrochemical facies were compared to permeability of unconsolidated sediments, the distribution of macropores within sedimentary (Paleozoic) bedrock, and the regional distribution of vertical hydraulic head gradient. Results of this investigation demonstrate that groundwaters within the TCMAx can be broadly categorized by chemical composition, and that their distribution is controlled both by regional differences in subsurface permeability and natural hydraulic head gradients, and by regional changes in hydraulic gradient due to high-capacity pumping. Chloride content and chloride to bromide ratios, in particular, can be used to identify the presence of recently recharged groundwater in bedrock aquifers and further characterize the movement of these recent waters through bedrock macropores. Urban groundwater systems present unique challenges for resource management and scientific investigations due in large part to the transient nature of hydraulic head gradients and changing landuse. For urban planners charged with groundwater resource management, results in this thesis demonstrate the utility of having groundwater hydrochemical types fully integrated with a hydrogeologic framework model in a three-dimensional geographic information system (GIS) environment, where age and chemical quality of groundwaters can be compared with other, more familiar factors, such as locations and pumping levels of high capacity wells. For groundwater modelers of urban aquifers, these same results can guide conceptual models of recharge to bedrock aquifers and constrain model calibration to produce flux estimates in agreement with flowpaths indicated by the distribution of recent waters.
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    Cone Penetration Test Design Guide for State Geotechnical Engineers
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2018-11) Dagger, Ryan; Saftner, David; Mayne, Paul
    The objectives of this project are focused on a new cone penetration testing (CPT) geotechnical design manual for highway and transportation applications based on recent research and innovation covering the period from 2000 to 2018. A step-by-step procedure is outlined on how to use CPT data in the analysis and design of common geotechnical tasks. Previous manuals are either very outdated with information from 1970-1996, or not appropriately targeted to transportation works. This design document introduces modern and recent advancements in CPT research not otherwise captured in legacy manuals from the 1990's and earlier. Examples and case studies are provided for each topic interpreted using CPT measures. In the manual, a step-by-step procedure is outlined on how to use CPT data in analysis and design for typical geotechnical practices. These topics, which are applicable both to state highways and local roads, include bridge foundations (including shallow footings and deep foundations) and soil characterization (including determination of standard soil engineering properties).
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    Developing an Intelligent Decision Support System for the Proactive Implementation of Traffic Safety Strategies
    (Intelligent Transportation Systems Institute, Center for Transportation Studies, 2013-03) Chen, Hongyi; Chen, Fang; Anderson, Chris
    The growing number of traffic safety strategies, including the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and lowcost proactive safety improvement (LCPSI), call for an integrated approach to optimize resource allocation systematically and proactively. While most of the currently used standard methods such as the six-step method that identify and eliminate hazardous locations serve their purpose well, they represent a reactive approach that seeks improvement after crashes happen. In this project, a decision support system with Geographic Information System (GIS) interface is developed to proactively optimize the resource allocation of traffic safety improvement strategies. With its optimization function, the decision support system is able to suggest a systematically optimized implementation plan together with the associated cost once the concerned areas and possible countermeasures are selected. It proactively improves the overall traffic safety by implementing the most effective safety strategies that meet the budget to decrease the total number of crashes to the maximum degree. The GIS interface of the decision support system enables the users to select concerned areas directly from the map and calculates certain inputs automatically from parameters related to the geometric design and traffic control features. An associated database is also designed to support the system so that as more data are input into the system, the calibration factors and crash modification functions used to calculate the expected number of crashes will be continuously updated and refined.
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    Evaluation of Low-Cost, Centimeter-Level Accuracy OEM GNSS Receivers
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2018-02) Jackson, John; Saborio, Ricardo; Ghazanfar, Syed Anas; Gebre-Egziabher, Demoz; Davis, Brian
    This report discusses the results of a study to quantify the performance of low-cost, centimeter-level accurate Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receivers that have appeared on the market in the last few years. Centimeter-level accuracy is achieved using a complex algorithm known as real-time kinematic (RTK) processing. It involves processing correction data from a ground network of GNSS receivers in addition to the signals transmitted by the GNSS satellites. This makes RTK-capable receivers costly (in excess of $10,000) and bulky, making them unsuitable for cost- and size-sensitive transportation applications (e.g., driver assist systems in vehicles). If inexpensive GNSS receivers capable of generating a position solution with centimeter accuracy were widely available, they would push the GNSS revolution in ground transportation even further as an enabler of safety enhancements such as ubiquitous lane-departure warning systems and enhanced stability-control systems. Recently manufacturers have been advertising the availability of low-cost (< $1,000) RTK-capable receivers. The work described in this report provides an independent performance assessment of these receivers relative to high-end (and costly) receivers in realistic settings encountered in transportation applications.
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    Introduction to Data Analysis Using Geographic Information Systems
    (St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension Service, 1991) Falbo, Daniel L.; Queen, Lloyd P.; Blinn, Charles R.
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    Methods to Incorporate Historic Surface Hydrology Layer in Mn/Model [Phase 4] Using Existing Geographic Information System Data
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2008-05) Stark, Stacey L.; Farrell, Patrice M.; Mulholland, Susan C.
    The goal of this research was to develop methods for identifying indicators of historic and prehistoric surface hydrologic features in available Geographic Information System (GIS) data to create a GIS layer representing relict hydrography for inclusion in Mn/Model, Mn/DOT’s statewide archaeological predictive model. This research addresses the limitation imposed on the current predictive model by the absence of historic and prehistoric surface water features, such as drained lakes and wetlands. Because several important variables are derived from surface hydrography in Mn/Model, the use of historic/prehistoric hydrologic features, instead of strictly modern features, will greatly improve its predictive accuracy. This research resulted in an automated tool, developed using ArcGIS ModelBuilder and based on ESRI ArcGIS ArcInfo 9.2 (ESRI 2005), that can be used on any county in the state where the input data are available. 17.
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    Performance Evaluation of Different Detection Technologies for Signalized Intersections in Minnesota
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2024-04) Grossman, Malcolm; Jiao, Yuankun; Hu, Haoji; Hourdos, John; Chiang, Yao-Yi
    This research evaluates the performance of non-intrusive detection technologies (NITs) for traffic signals in Minnesota. Prior work shows that while no single NIT device performs best in all situations, under specific circumstances, some NIT devices consistently outperform others. Our goal in this research is to find which NIT devices perform better in conditions specific to Minnesota and provide cost estimations and maintenance recommendations for operating these devices year-round. Our research has two main components: 1) synthesizing national and local experiences procuring, deploying, and maintaining NITs, and 2) evaluating real-world NIT deployments in Minnesota across different weather conditions. Our results and analysis combine the results from these steps to make recommendations informed by research and real-world experience operating NIT devices. Through interviews with Minnesota traffic signal operators, the research finds that environmental factors like wind, snow, and rain cause most NIT failures, requiring costly on-site maintenance. Operators emphasize the need for central monitoring systems, sun shields, and heated lenses to maintain performance. The research then analyzes NIT video, signal actuation, and weather data at six Twin Cities intersections using Iteris and Autoscope Vision technologies. No single NIT performs best, aligning with previous findings, but Autoscope Vision is less prone to lens blockages requiring on-site service. Our analysis also finds some intersections have more failures, indicating location and geometry impact performance. Key recommendations are based on the relative performance of a NIT in different weather conditions and accounting for local weather conditions when selecting a NIT at an intersection. We also recommend using central monitoring systems to troubleshoot remotely, installing heat shields to prevent snow/rain accumulation, and routine annual checks and checks after major storms.
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    Sample-Based Estimation of Bicycle Miles of Travel (BMT)
    (2001-10-01) Davis, Gary A.; Wicklatz, Trina
    This project provides a statistically defensible estimate of bicycle-miles of travel (BMT) for at a least substantial portion of the Twin Cities region and assesses the feasibility of monitoring bicycle volumes using sampling methods similar to those used to monitor motor vehicle traffic. Researchers used an ArcView database of the Twin Cities street system for the initial sampling frame and extended the database by manually adding information about average annual daily traffic volumes and about on- and off-road bicycle facilities. A stratified random sample of roadways links in Hennepin, Ramsey, and Dakota counties was drawn, and during the months of May through June and August through October 1998, the daytime bicycle volume for one day at each sampled site was obtained using time-lapse video. Researchers then used Cochrane's combined estimator to compute an estimate of average daytime BMT for the study area. Keywords-bicycle monitoring, bicycle miles of travel, BMT, GIS, bicycle volumes, bicycle traffic, bike lane
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    Statewide Cycloplan: Bicycle Planning Tool & Participatory GIS
    (Center for Transportation Studies University of Minnesota, 2015-06) Terveen, Loren
    This project extended the existing Cyclopath and Cycloplan bicycle routing and planning system. The primary goal of this project was to develop a statewide bicycle map. The map was intended to serve multiple purposes, including: • Giving people throughout Minnesota easy access to bicycle routing information, thus making it easier for them to utilize bicycling as transportation; • Supporting long-distance bicycle travel and bicycle travel outside of urban areas; • Compiling disparate sets of bikeways data -- from different sources and in different formats -- into a single, unified dataset and tool; • Serving as a collaborative tool for public participation and inter-agency cooperation. We achieved these goals by working closely with relevant stakeholders – both end users and planners – over the life of this project. The result is a version of Cyclopath that: • Enables bicycle routing for the entire state of Minnesota; • Features a significantly simplified and improved end-user interface; • Adds useful new features for transportation planners.
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    Using GIS to Improve Tribal Safety: Applications, Trends, and Implementation Dimensions
    (Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2018-09) Horan, Thomas; Hilton, Brian; Robertson, Joseph; Mbugua, Joseph
    Traffic safety is a significant transportation and health concern among tribal travelers. Among Native American populations, motor vehicle-related injuries are the leading cause of death for ages up to 5- 34 years old. Over the last three decades, the number of fatal crashes on Indian reservations increased dramatically, while nationally they have declined. Moreover, several recent reviews have noted that potentially effective approaches have been hampered by a lack of timely data and robust tools to guide appropriate strategies in Tribal lands. This study investigated the potential of new advances in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to enhance the collection, availability and use of transportation safety related information. This investigation resulted in development of several promising GIS applications for tribal use, identified spatial analytic approaches to understanding tribal safety trends, and explored a framework for considering GIS implementation within the context and culture of Tribal independence and governance.