Client Story: Untangling the National Transportation Atlas Database

SOLUTION SPOTLIGHT

Untangling the National Transportation Atlas Database

CLIENT

DOT's Bureau of Transportation Statistics

FOCUS
Data Systems Management, Geospatial Intelligence, User Experience

METHODS

Custom QA/QC Process; Advanced GIS functions (e.g., Esri’s Generate Near Table, Scoring & Validation Systems); Data Lifecycle Optimization; Collaborative Management

OUTCOMES

Strengthened accuracy, consistency, and reliability; Proactive issue resolution; Future-Proofed Systems

Need Quote

— Office of BTS Employee

90+

Datasets Organized

Datasets from a slew of different federal agencies that rely on diverse state, regional, local, and private sources.

80+

Intermodal Layers

Blurb Explaining

Untangling a Nationwide Transportation Data Web

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) publishes the National Transportation Atlas Database (NTAD). It is a nationwide collection of maps and data on transportation networks like highways, railways, waterways, and airports. It also contains critical spatial information on bridges and intermodal terminals. And it can function as an early warning system, showing natural hazards in our transportation infrastructure.

Without the NTAD, the government would be flying blind…literally. Transportation planners would not have the reliable data they need for analysis and decision-making across government and industries.

The problem is that NTAD’s 90+ datasets come from a slew of different federal agencies, and these agencies rely on diverse state, regional, local, and private sources. The result was inconsistency with standards and data quality. BTS needed help creating a strong quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) program. Its goal was to ensure that the NTAD’s critical data was reliable for the nation’s transportation planning and useful for private-sector projects.

Putting NTAD Data to the Test

MacroSys leaned on clear protocols and outputs to untangle the web of data. Our team developed rigorous QA/QC processes for datasets such as the ‘Intercity Bus Atlas Routes and Stops’ and the ‘General Transit Feed Specification.’

We worked closely with BTS to create assessment categories, scoring methods, and standardized outputs. The process reviewed each geospatial dataset for integrity, completeness, and compliance with BTS standards across key areas. Analysts carefully examined every NTAD dataset using defined criteria and tools like Esri’s Generate Near Table and Get Unique Values functions.

Boosting Data from Good to Great

The result? MacroSys developed a solution that strengthened the accuracy and consistency of NTAD datasets, making them more reliable and easier to use. Our efforts with dataset managers resulted in an improved system of data collection, integration, cleaning, and management practices. This means that our customer can now more easily spot problems, remain proactive on data issues, and improve processes for the future.

MacroSys put NTAD datasets to the test, and they went from good to GREAT. Transportation planners can now look at information that’s more accurate, consistent, and reliable than ever before. NTAD continues to be a trusted national resource that helps agencies, planners, and stakeholders make the best transportation decisions for America.