Case Studies

The usage of free geodata like OpenStreetMap (OSM) is becoming more and more popular because there are many fields of application. For the first time, there is an application which converts OSM data to ArcGIS transportation networks. These transportation networks can be used in ArcGIS to perform network analyses with the extension Network Analyst. This application was developed by Eva Peters for her bachelor thesis in Cartography and Geomatics in collaboration with ESRI Deutschland GmbH.

This program “OSM2NetworkDataset” was designed to generate transportation networks for any mode of transportation and any region. The generated networks use OSM attributes such as restrictions, one-way roads, turn restrictions, point barriers, and maximum speed. The path can be chosen with user defined average speed settings based on the shortest distance or shortest time. The user can generate network datasets based on individual settings, which is a big advantage and opens many fields of application.

First, the application builds a geodatabase which contains a network dataset. Then a map document is created. This map document is ready to perform network analyses.

The application was written in Java and uses the Java library ArcObjects. It can be used on ArcGIS 9.3.1 and ArcGIS 10.

By using the Network Analyst of ArcGIS, a route can be calculated on the generated transportation network. Furthermore, service areas and location studies can be performed.

The created networks are comparable with other network analysis services. The data is adequate for applications like car, bicycle, and pedestrian routing. This is due to the fact that the data is collected in the perspective of motorcar drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

In 2010, Ventura County applied for inclusion in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Community Rating System. This program allows a reduction of flood insurance premiums in return for a comprehensive ongoing effort to reduce flood risk. A part of that comprehensive program includes conveying current flood risk to the public. In order to provide a simple yet accurate interface for the public to view the latest floodplain boundaries, flood zones and flood depths in the county, a Google Maps interface was created using Fusion Tables. The details of this interface, along with the automated scripts and procedures developed to maintain the data from FEMA download, storage on PostGIS, and KML conversions for Fusion Tables is the subject of this paper. Topics will include tips, tricks, lessons learned and example code for the interface and upload procedures. Future directions will also be discussed including inter-agency cooperation and collaboration.