DIGITAL ROAD MAP APPLICATION IN ROAD ADMINISTRATION

Digital road maps (DRMs) can be utilized in various fields. Presently, vehicle navigation is the biggest user. In road administration, maps are used in each step of planning, surveying, and construction management. At present, though, practical applications for DRMs in road administration are few; however, the number of new applications is increasing each year. It is greatly due to growing computer power, low prices, and personalization. There are two ways of utilizing DRM data. One is map utilization for input or output of information. The other is network function utilization of vector characteristics of DRM data. The former is new dynamic road administration information system, etc., and the latter is pointing contents checking system, etc. The largest application in the private companies is car navigation. They add their own data and edit the database to produce the final products, such as CD-ROMs. As the applications expand, more advanced DRMs must be made available. To meet this requirement, development of more detailed and precise DRMs and linkage to dynamic information systems are being pursued.