Geographic Information Systems as a Support Tool in Construction Cost Estimating in State DOTs

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have been successfully implemented in various fields. Transportation agencies, however, have not yet recognized the full capabilities of GIS. The purpose of the GIS cost estimation project is to research the possibilities of analyzing data through the power of geographic management. The enhanced data management would assist in improving project cost estimation. Typically, state highway departments rely heavily on historical bid data to estimate construction projects. A systematic information collection, organization, and storage process must be used so that relevant historical cost data can be retrieved. Data collection and storage have been done for years but their usefulness at times appears worthless, primarily because of the amount of time required to page through and assimilate reams of compiled data. Analysis would be greatly simplified if one could visualize the data graphically. Using such technology should assist in easing the ever-increasing demand to analyze information to support more effective decision making.