Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are useful tools for creating, storing, managing and communicating spatial information. Alta staff regularly use these important analysis and communication tools for mapping, data analysis, modeling and data storage.
GPS
Alta uses GPS to complement our field work on many projects including trail feasibility studies, master plans, park plans and implementation of these projects. Accurately recording site conditions and potential improvements significantly improves the quality of our data.
Mapping
Maps can provide wayfinding information, illustrate spatial relationships, and indicate opportunity and constraint locations. Alta has extensive experience providing clear and concise maps to support a variety of user needs.
Master Plan Maps
GIS-based master plan maps directly link data on existing or proposed facilities with spatial data. This facilitates maintaining an up-to-date database, linkages to Capital Improvement Plans, and developing cost estimates, while providing a powerful tool for communication with the public.
User Maps
Alta’s GIS-based transit, school access, and bicycle & walking maps are seamlessly integrated with land use data. An alternative use of these maps is to create and depict Safe Route to School walking and biking routes.
Analysis Mapping
Alta uses a number of GIS-based tools to help communities understand and select bicycle and pedestrian facilities and corridors, understand crash locations, visualize cost/benefit analysis and evaluate the quality of existing facilities. These maps help users see and understand complex data and help shape Alta’s recommendations.
Analysis Tools
Demand Forecasting & Benefit Analysis
Alta’s demand estimation methodologies have been used in hundreds of communities nation wide over the last ten years. These models use inputs derived in part from GIS data to forecast future bicycle demand, prioritize improvements, project congestion management and air quality benefits, and justify funding project enhancements. Alta’s methods and models, such as the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project, as well as the CalTrans Seamless Travel Update, have been accepted by local, State, and Federal officials.
StreetPlan
Alta’s StreetPlan model allows planners, designers and engineers to evaluate the feasibility of bikeways & walkways given future traffic volumes, parking demand and public right-of-way information. This tool allows staff to quickly and accurately determine the feasibility of various roadway restriping or reconstruction options along corridors with variable conditions.
Cycle Zone Analysis
The exciting new Cycle Zones Analysis tool, developed as part of Portland, Oregon's Platinum Bicycle Master Plan, allows planners and decision makers to better understand which parts of a study area are best suited to capture large numbers of cycling trips and which areas will benefit from strategic investments, leading to customized, prioritized strategies to maximize bicycle transportation. Through CZA, Alta staff analyze factors such as land use, topography, road connectivity and density, barriers, and bikeway quality and coverage. Our expert analysts tailor the factors and weighting to your community’s unique conditions. The results will help guide your community to strategically apply the best bang-for-the-buck bikeway improvements and encouragement programs to increase mode share.
Bikeway Quality Index
Bikeway Quality Index is based on the understanding that to achieve meaningful levels of bicycle transportation, communities must provide bikeway infrastructure. But, not all bikeways are built the same. For example, narrow (less than 5’ wide) bike lanes on a congested five or seven-lane arterial are significantly different than six or seven foot bike lanes on a neighborhood collector, or a separated lane/path, or bicycle boulevard. BQI relies on a series of quantitative inputs, such as traffic speeds, volumes, street width, intersection quality, and path or bike lane width analyzed through a weighted algorithm. BQI can also measure the quality of the bicycling experience across a zone, city or region. The resulting index can help explain why levels of bikeway usage, guide jurisdictions as to where improvements are needed, and is an important input into the Cycle Zone Analysis.
TrailMap
Alta’s TrailMap methodology allows planners, designers and engineers to gather, analyze and assimilate environmental, geologic and cultural data and develop a comprehensive picture of opportunities and constraints along potential trail corridors. Handheld GPS devices allow Alta to augment available data sources and create customizable solutions for each client.
Featured Projects
Pacific Crest Trail Land Protection Inventory
The project objective was to provide an inventory and overview of the parcels that need acquisition to establish the trail and protect the experience of trail users on this legendary 2,650 mile scenic trail from Mexico to Canada.
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LA Bike Plan One of the focuses of the plan was to analyze whether the City's current bikeway system, planned primarily on arterial streets, should be moved to collector streets in order to attract a broader array of potential users. This project employed Alta's StreetPlan tool.
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Portland Platinum Bicycle Master Plan Update In 2006, the City turned to Alta to help update the Bicycle Master Plan. The goal was to reach Platinum designation by the League of American Bicyclists and project included use of the Bikeway Quality Index and Cycle Zone Analysis tools.
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