AN EXPERT SYSTEM TO INTEGRATE HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE SYSTEMS WITH GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS

This paper considers the theory and practice of an expert system for processing a database, which is typical of those currently being used by local authorities in the UK. It is designed to reformat the MARCH (Maintenance Assessment, Ratings and Costing for Highways) database into a more manageable format, and translate the local referencing system, that it adopts, into a standardised format suitable for a conventional geographical information system (GIS). The important functions of a GIS are first described, including several that are useful in transport applications, such as: (1) highway strip maps; (2) traffic signalling; (3) traffic system management; and (4) accident analysis. The MARCH system of pavement management requires division of a street network into several 'maintenance lengths', each with similar geometric, physical, traffic and construction characteristics. It relies on a locational referencing system that incorporates narrative descriptions of a maintenance length's location. Its integration theory and translation process ar described, together with the benefits of the integration process. On completion of this process, the GIS may be used as a tool for the automatic production of a street gazetteer. For the covering abstract see IRRD 870263.