Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How are the images captured and stored?

A: The images are captured at a configurable interval based on distance traveled or time elapsed. The images are stored as a sequence of JPEG image files. The image's location information is stored in an Access database.

Q: How much disk space does it require to store the images?

Under a typical configuration (using 4 cameras @ 1280x960, capturing at a 25-foot interval) the images for each mile surveyed will take about 150 MB of disk space. If a road is driven in both directions, it will double that figure, i.e. about 300 MB every mile.

Q: At what speed does the survey van drive when capturing data? How long does it take to survey my project?

A: The survey van can operate at speeds up to 60mph. Typically we can survey about 50-100 miles per day, depending upon conditions such as type of street, traffic, weather, etc.

Q: What does "eRoadInfo is GIS integrated" mean?

A: eRoadInfo was developed as an ESRI ArcGIS Extension. eRoadInfo interfaces are provided as standard ArcGIS tools. All of the ArcGIS layers including aerial photos can be displayed while using eRoadInfo. Minimal training is needed for ArcGIS users to use eRoadInfo.

Q: What does "One click from Photo to ArcGIS" mean?

A: eRoadInfo uses a high-accuracy optical model to calculate the corresponding map location when an operator uses their mouse to point to an object in a photo. When moving a mouse over the images, the mouse cursor also shows the corresponding map position. It only takes one click on a photo for eRoadInfo users to create a geo-referenced GIS object. Users can also click on a road or select a database record to view images.

Q: How do I benefit from eRoadInfo's Database Driven Design?

A: eRoadInfo uses a database driven design to allow the configuration of the data structure as well as input buttons and pull-down lists. For example, you can create a button for creating a SIGN. When you click on a sign in the photo, a sign record showing all of the fields that you specified will be created. The value of each field can be inserted using the pull-down list that is also specified by the operator.

Q: What back-end databases does eRoadInfo support?

A: eRoadInfo is fully ESRI ArcGIS and ArcSDE compatible. eRoadInfo/Asset and eRoadInfo/Pavement support any ODBC compliant database, ESRI ArcSDE, or Shapefile. eRoadInfo/Van saves video and image data in Access databases that can be uploaded into the backend database.

Q: Can I view eRoadInfo captured road video and pavement images on the Internet?

A: eRoadInfo has a WEB module that can publish the video and images on the Internet. ArcIMS is required for the eRoadInfo WEB module to function. WEB users can enter a road name or click on a road in the ArcIMS map to view driving video.

Q: How does the Voice Note function work?

A: eRoadInfo allows voice recording input while the eRoadInfo/Van is capturing the video/images or when a user is viewing the video/image. The recorded voice file is registered with the JPEG file in the video and will be automatically played during the video. Video notes are treated as a eRoadInfo Bookmark. Users can quickly skip to the marked video/image to complete the work.

Q: Does eRoadInfo/Pavement automatically detect pavement cracks?

A: Yes. eRoadInfo/Pavement automatically detects pavement cracking and calculates the rating based on the total crack sizes. For users who prefer to use the manual rating approach, ratings can be entered using the eRoadInfo rating interface either in the field or while viewing the video/image.

Q: What is unique about the eRoadInfo reporting capabilities?

A: eRoadInfo's .NET based reporting module allows users to dynamically define a report sorting order, format, and content. User-friendly interfaces are provided for users to easily create the top-level summary reports, or drill down in the database to list any desired asset details.