Develop a Tool for Sight Distance Analysis Using GIS and LiDAR Data

Zhou, Huaguo; Yang, Fangjian

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Develop a Tool for Sight Distance Analysis Using GIS and LiDAR Data

2025-04-01
By Zhou, Huaguo ; Yang, Fangjian

File Language:

English

Details

Creators:

Zhou, Huaguo ; Yang, Fangjian
Corporate Creators:

Auburn University. Highway Research Center
Corporate Contributors:

Alabama. Department of Transportation
Subject/TRT Terms:

Geographic Information Systems GIS Intersections Laser Radar LiDAR Data Sight Distance Triangles Unsignalized Intersections
Publication/ Report Number:

931-063
Resource Type:

Tech Report
Geographical Coverage:

Alabama ; United States
Corporate Publisher:

Alabama. Department of Transportation
Abstract:

Intersection Sight Distance (ISD) plays a critical role in ensuring roadway safety, particularly at unsignalized intersections where the lack of adequate visibility can result in severe accidents. Traditional ISD assessment methods often rely on manual measurements, which can be time-consuming, costly, and prone to inaccuracies. This study aims to address these limitations by developing an automated GIS-based tool that leverages LiDAR data to evaluate ISD at two-way stop-controlled (TWSC) intersections in Alabama. This tool facilitates efficient screening of large road networks, calculates the recommended ISD, and identifies sight distance obstructions. The method involves generating a digital surface model and conducting line-of-sight analyses while allowing users to customize such parameters as observer position, vehicle type, and vegetation exclusion. The developed method was applied to 13 intersections in Auburn, Alabama, and the results were validated against traditional field measurements. The comparison revealed that discrepancies mainly stemmed from human error in field assessments, dynamic changes in the environment, and the time lag between LiDAR data collection and field evaluation.
Format:

PDF
Funding:

931-063
Collection(s):

US Transportation Collection
Main Document Checksum:

urn:sha-512:ca60678bce7f81d6694f7ec0913aef757435ac495ad5f3c2a31f0d8be466bee13a2f7734b3683fed2c5523171db19daddf7dbc41a34c0d7d7439fd25dd9c6204
Download URL:

https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/85696/dot_85696_DS1.pdf
File Type:

[PDF - 3.03 MB ]

File Language:

English

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