The information listed below is from information provided of the various functions of some of the major software related to the engineering used within CALTRANS.

Current and Proposed Organizational Activities

A. MicroStation V8 Implementation - Phase 1 is currently being deployed with the roll out of new workstations. Phase 1 maintains the current CADD standards that are compatible with a version 7 MicroStation Design files.

B. Incorporating CADD file systems and Engineering GIS databases into the Caltrans Geospatial Database – A Geospatial Committee is being established to address the needs of having the CADD file systems and Engineering related GIS databases into the Caltrans statewide Geospatial Database.

C. CALTRANS 2006 Seismic Hazard Map – The Engineering GIS Branch has been working with the Office of Earthquake Engineering in creating a new seismic hazard map using the late quaternary faults, recently discovered faults from California Geological Services (CGS), United States Geological Services (USGS), and the CALTRANS 1996 Seismic Hazard Map.

D. Using ArcGIS software and Watershed Modeling System (WMS) – ArcGIS/WMS have been used to perform offsite hydrological designs. 10 meter DEMs are being used along with soil mapping from NRCS and land use mapping from various local agencies. An ArcView/WMS hydrology class has been conducted in all 12 Districts.

E. Surveying & R/W Engineering - Caltrans survey crews (approx. 110 statewide) are equipped with robotic, reflector less total stations (Leica 1103+ or Trimble S-6) with Windows CE based Trimble TSCe data collectors. Trimble Survey Controller software is processed in Trimble Geomatics Office. Each survey crew is also equipped with a Panasonic Toughbook laptop computer and printer, an in-vehicle radio, and hand-held radios with ranges of 8-10 km. About 80 percent of Caltrans survey crews have access to high accuracy geodetic grade receivers, including real-time GPS survey units. Most of the units are Trimble 5700 GPS receivers; the remainder are R8s, 4700 and 4800 receivers. In addition, crews have access to mapping grade receivers for reconnaissance and resource grade work. GPS data is processed in Trimble Geomatics Office. The Vangarde 505 Surveying System was deployed in 1994 to improve the safety and reliability of pavement elevation surveying operations. Surveys staff in the office setting all use personal computers and workstations. CAiCE software creates digital terrain models generated from field survey and/or photogrammetic data. CAiCE coordinate geometry (COGO) software is used to calculate alignments, compute areas and make surveying computations. Microstation is used in making map and plan sheets. Statewide Right of Way Mapping standards have been established.

F. Photogrammetry - Among the major software used within Caltrans’ Office of Photogrammetry are:

 GPS ProMap - for Flight Planning (replacements for this orphan application are currently under evaluation);
 Albany, ISSBA and ORIMA for aerotriangulation, both conventional and Airborne-GPS assisted;
 Leica LPS - for digital map compilation, orthophotography production and scanning;
 GDM Resymbol - for CADD batch editing (including metric-to-english file conversion),
 MicroStation Image Manager and Descartes - for raster imaging,
 CAiCE - for DTM surfaces
 Microsoft Project and FileMaker Pro - for Project Management.

G. DHIPP (Digital Highway Inventory Photography Program) - DHIPP is a Caltrans in-house web-enabled GIS application providing staff access to seamless 1’-GSD color digital ortho-imagery of the entire state highway system. Updated imagery will be captured beginning in early 2007.


New Systems (Just Completed, In Progress, or Preparing to Start)

A. New Roadway Design Software - In March, 2006 Caltrans’ management approved a decision document to transition from its’ current roadway design software, CAiCE, to InRoads software over the next 5 years. The Office of CADD and Engineering GIS is currently developing an implementation for this transition and starting to configure the software to the department’s standards. Tentative date for beginning the deployment is 2007.

B. SignCAD - SignCAD has been implemented statewide to assist traffic engineers in designing new sign panels for “Contractor Furnished Signs”. The final details and quantities must be in a MicroStation Design file.

C. AutoTurn - AutoTurn has been implemented statewide to utilize truck turning templates within MicroStation.

D. CALTRANS Document Retrieval System (DRS) – Caltrans DRS allows anyone using a browser on the CALTRANS intranet to search for, view, and print documents. A backend database (Oracle) allows users to input search criteria such as county, route, and/or post mile to find project files stored in DRS. There are currently a total of 872,375 files stored in DRS. Most of the files stored in DRS are as-built plans, but DRS contains survey files and documents, right-of-way files and documents, planning documents and encroachment permits. DRS can store any file type, so its use will probably expand in the future.

E. Machine Control Guidance – Caltrans will be implementing a pilot project in mid 2007 for the contractor to have the option of using machine control guidance for construction. A project will be advertised with the option of using “stakeless construction”. The option language in the contract will allow contractors without the ability to use this method of construction to still bid on the project.

F. Central Valley Spatial Reference Network - Caltrans is developing the Central Valley Spatial Reference Network (CVSRN) for evaluation and possible future expansion of Real Time Networks (RTN) s to other Districts in the State to improve the safety, productivity and efficiency of surveying crews and to improve mobility. The savings in personnel time resulting from the use of CVSRN will provide a return on investment within 8-12 months of deployment. The proposal includes building the system infrastructure, upgrading existing continuous global positioning system (CGPS) stations, establishing communication links, setting up the RTN server and software, performing data management, monitoring the overall reliability of the system, and on-going maintenance and support.

G. Terrestrial Laser Scanning - Laser scanning is an emerging technology that allows a surveyor to collect a point cloud, at millimeter accuracy. Conventional surveys only capture a fraction of the points collected by laser scanning. Applications include pavement surveys, structures modeling, landslide and vertical face modeling, determining clearances and incident response. Caltrans is evaluating the technology for deployment and is developing standards and specifications through research with the University of California at Davis, CA.

H. AASHTO Site Manager- Caltrans purchased Site Manager from AASHTO as a Construction Management System (CMS). The system will be modified to meet the California Department of Transportation’s (Department) specific construction requirements and departmental technical standards. As is, the AASHTO system addresses all of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requirements and most of the Department’s construction business needs.

I. eBid - Caltrans has purchased the AASHTO Trns*port modules PES, Expedite, LAS, and BAMS/DSS to support pre-construction efforts. Caltrans also purchased Falcon SVP (by TSA/Advet) to electronically distribute project advertising documents. The intention is to deploy these products during the next twelve months.


Record of Exchange

NCHRP Project 08-55 - Integrating Geo-spatial Technologies into the Right of Way Data Management Process - Caltrans is participating in a national research project for automation of ROW functions and development of data integration models using existing technology including geo-spatial applications needed to improve the coordination and consistency of data, leading to reduced project delays caused by ROW acquisition, and disposal of excess lands. Utility location, design and right of way plans are starting to migrate into a spatially enabled environment. High-resolution imagery and easily obtainable GPS data collection in combination is with enhanced GIS capabilities are helping to locate facilities and related data in real space. An enterprise approach to manage the ROW would be a big step forward for maximizing capabilities while minimizing resources.

Information Wanted

1. How many other states are preparing and providing digital design models to contractors for the purpose of “stakeless construction” or “machine guidance”?

2. Are terrestrial laser scanners being used for design surveying by the DOT or consultants on projects? What kind of project are laser scanners being used on? What brand of laser scanner software is being used? What does the DOT see as the best type of project for laser scanning?