GIS Services

GeoStats provides database development, custom analyses, and related consulting services for organizations with advanced geospatial data and analysis needs.

We have experience with complex data sets in the transportation field, as well as in storm water management, environmental systems, and health research. In all of these areas, our Geographic Information System (GIS) specialists and software engineers design and implement custom solutions for collecting, processing, analyzing, and reporting on spatial information. 

GeoStats offers the following GIS services, which can be contracted individually or together:

 

GPS and GIS-based Data Collection

GeoStats provides expert services to collect GIS data in the field, typically using GPS technology.  GeoStats also develops custom software applications for field data collection.  These applications employ GIS-based technology to construct and update geospatial data sets.

For example, GeoStats developed a bus stop inventory solution that utilizes GeoStats’ GeoSurvey application running on a Tablet PC to collect detailed attributes of bus stop locations, as well as GPS coordinates and digital images collected by a GPS receiver and digital camera, respectively.  This GeoSurvey application also includes a GIS interface that allows the field data collector to confirm the bus stop location displayed on a route map.

Exampless of past projects include:

  • Dallas Visitors Survey  (2007)
  • Cobb County Transit, Georgia, Bus Stop Inventory (2005)
  • Tahoe Visitors Survey (2004 – 2005)
  • Polk County, Florida, Bus Stop Inventory (2004)
  • Wilmington , North Carolina, External Origin-Destination Survey  (2004)

 

GIS Data Management

Most large planning and engineering projects have significant data requirements that encompass multiple layers of geospatial information.  The integration of disparate databases can be vital to having the best supporting information available.  GeoStats is an expert in this area, particularly with the management and integration of linearly referenced (LRS) data. 

GeoStats can also provide project team website management for the distribution of data and reports.  More information on custom websites and software development services.

Exampless of past projects include:

  • GDOT Corridor Studies (2011-2012)
  • GDOT Freight and Mobility Study (2010-2011)
  • GDOT Statewide Truck-Only Lanes Study (2006-2007)
  • GDOT Statewide Transportation Plan (2006)
  • State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) General Services (2004-2006)
  • Georgia Statewide ITS Architecture (2005)

 

Geospatial Data Analysis

GeoStats staff members have achieved national recognition in geospatial data analysis and bring analytical depth, creativity, and expertise to all projects.  Complex data integration is a large part of most transportation, personal mobility, and environmental studies.  An experienced team can help ensure that this integration and subsequent analyses are accurate and relevant to study objectives.  Creativity in data analysis can also ensure that the project will benefit from best-in-class approaches to problem solving.  Our innovation and professionalism is demonstrated in many of our projects and client testimonies.

For example, GeoStats has analyzed GIS data to create performance measures for road improvement project rankings. We generated data and tools that allow a transportation planner to identify transportation deficiencies using an integrated set of performance measures (i.e., safety, operations, infrastructure).  Origin and destination survey data has been analyzed and modeled to identify likely travel paths and volumes.  ITS data has been used to evaluate traffic data patterns for both recurrent and non-recurrent congestion.

Exampless of past projects include:

  • State Road and Tollway Authority, Tollway Equity Analysis (2007-2008)
  • Georgia DOT Project Prioritization Process (2008-2009)
  • Sirius Satellite Radio Traffic Data Auditor (2007-2008)

Tollway

Density of tollway users in Atlanta

 

Special Focus: Data Analysis for Mobility Research

Many of GeoStats' projects have a research focus and require leading edge geospatial analytical tools and techniques. In particular, GeoStats is heavily involved with the collection, processing, and analysis of large amounts of mobility data collected by GPS devices, through traditional and electronic surveys, and from cell phones. 

For example, GeoStats participates in many projects related to travel behavior and physical activity.  The graphics below show a person’s travel from their home to work and then to school. The top picture highlights the speed of their movement as measured by a wearable GPS logging device.  The bottom picture shows the same GPS trace, color-coded to reflect levels of physical activity experienced during these trips as measured by an accelerometer.  The information provided on these maps indicates that the trip between home and work occurred in a motorized vehicle (note the high speed and low physical activity levels) and the trip between work and school was made on foot (here there is low speed and high physical activity levels). 

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Trace of travel using GPS and colored by speed of traveler (using wearable GPS)

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Trace of travel using wearable accelerometer and colored by physical activity level of traveler  

GeoStats has the geospatial analytical experience and capabilities to perform similar assessments for thousands of trips in an efficient and economical manner.

Exampless of past projects include:

  • Atlantic Station Health Study, 2007-2009
    Sponsor: Centers for Disease Control, Lead: Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health

  • Mobility Outcomes Study, 2006-2008
    Sponsor and Lead: Department of Veterans Affairs, Rehabilitation Research Center

  • Fresno Asthmatic Children’s Environment Study, 2007-2008
    Sponsor: National Institutes of Health, Lead:  University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health

  • Harvard Trail Usage Study, 2005-2006
    Sponsor: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation/Active Learning Research, Lead: Harvard School of Public Health

  • Wheelchair Activity Study, 2003-2005
    Sponsor: NIDRR, Lead:  Georgia Institute of Technology, Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access

 

Geospatial Data Visualization

GeoStats can develop innovative maps, graphs and other visual representations to illustrate complex geospatial concepts.  For example, GeoStats participated in a statewide truck study that required a unique form of mapping.  After collecting origin and destination surveys at weigh stations across Georgia, GeoStats developed “desire” line maps that showed the number of surveyed trucks going to unique destinations around the state.  The graphic at right shows common destinations of trucks leaving the Port of Savannah, Georgia.

In the same study, GeoStats developed an environmental map book that highlighted environmental and historical preservation concerns within a ½ mile buffer of select Georgia freeways.  Additionally, the map book quantified the environmental issues by freeway section (interchange to interchange). 

Exampless of past projects include:

  • Environmental Map Book for Truck-Only-Lanes Planning (2007-2008)
  • Public Involvement for Cobb County Long Range Transportation Plan (2006-2007)
 

Destination desire lines for trucks leaving the port of Savannah

Map of environmental concerns along Georgia freeways

 

To discuss how GeoStats' GIS Services can help meet your geospatial needs, call us at 404-588-1004.  Or, click Contact Us and a member of the GeoStats’ GIS Services Team will contact you within two business days.