Use of Geographic Information System for Transportation Data Analysis

Origin-destination (O-D) survey data have been usually applied to identify travel characteristics for transportation planning activities. Travel forecasting models are also validated against O-D data to simulate more reliable trip estimations. The process of translating these survey data to final analysis format is, however, generally recognized as labor intensive and time consuming. This paper describes how geographic information system (GIS) techniques were applied to analyze commuter rail survey data from which the upcoming intercounty rail service design can be projected and tailored. The use of a geographic information system enhances the accuracy and efficiency of O-D survey data analysis and also provides detailed spatial analysis results for transporation service evaluation.