RoadLogger Road Management Software

RoadLogger^TM is a field data collection system that allows you to record the location and attributes of structures, features, and inspections on forest roads. This data can then be exported in a format compatible with external GIS or other forest road management systems.

RoadLogger is fully configurable. Information, such as road status, location and condition of signage, culverts, ditches, bridges or other events can be easily entered and tracked.

RoadLogger runs on a standard laptop computer. It is intended to be used while driving the road in a pickup (or ATV). Location information can be entered using an external GPS device or taken from an odometer reading.

RoadLogger was designed to allow users to quickly capture forest road information. Care has been taken to ensure that information can be entered with a minimal number of clicks and keystrokes. User definable pick lists ensure that data collected is consistent. Error checking is provided to ensure events are completed.

The user interface is clean, simple, intuitive and easy to learn. Typically a new user will be proficient with the basic operation of RoadLogger in one hour.

Visual feedback is continuously provided to display events and the current GPS location.

How does it work?

The operation of RoadLogger is really very simple. Here is how it works.

1) Initially RoadLogger is configured to include definitions and parameters for the required events. This step is usually only required once when RoadLogger is implemented by an organization.

2) Before a trip to the field, the required background maps (images, shape files etc.) and current road information is gathered and loaded into Roadlogger.

3) When an event is identified as the user drives along the road, he presses New Event. The type of event is selected e.g. culvert, ditch repair, gate etc. The GPS coordinate is automatically attached to the event or the user can enter an odometer reading. RoadLogger projects the event data onto the correct road and section.

4) Information about the event is easily entered into a form. Pick lists save typing and enforce database consistency. If an event is a linear event such as a washout section, the event is left open until the End Event button is pressed. The graphic display area shows the current GPS location and event information.

5) After the survey is complete, the user uploads the data into an external GIS or road management system.

Quick, easy and accurate

RoadLogger was designed to allow users to quickly capture forest road information. Care has been taken to ensure that information can be entered with a minimal number of clicks and keystrokes. User definable pick lists ensure that data collected is consistent. Error checking is provided to ensure events are completed The user interface is clean, simple, intuitive and easy to learn. Typically a new user will be proficient with the basic operation of RoadLogger in one hour. Visual feedback is continuously provided to display events and the current GPS location.

Mapping and Navigation

Unfortunately, maps are not always accurate. RoadLogger understands this and provides several tools to help the user overcome the navigation problems which result from poor maps. By providing a GPS track overlaid on maps, the user can visualize the differences between the true ground situation and the current mapping. Tools are provided to help the user locate roads or events including measure of coordinates, distances and bearings. Events can be located by both GPS coordinate or distance from a known reference point such as a road junction, bridge or highway. Events can be captured either forward or backward along a road. Background display information including shape files and images can be displayed for reference and navigation.

Interfacing to GIS or External Road Management Systems

RoadLogger imports and exports road information and attributes in a documented ASCII file format. Internally RoadLogger uses an XML format to store data. Softree provides software customization services to fully implement RoadLogger and integrate it with existing GIS or road management software.