Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are transforming how transportation projects are planned, designed, and managed. At McClure, we use GIS to provide spatial insights that improve decision-making, reduce risk, and deliver smarter, more efficient infrastructure solutions.
What Is GIS?
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a digital framework for capturing, analyzing, and visualizing spatial and geographic data. GIS integrates multiple data sources and displays them on layered, interactive maps. This enables engineers, planners, and decision-makers to better understand patterns, relationships, and trends that affect infrastructure development.
GIS combines location data with qualitative and quantitative analysis to deliver a more complete view of project conditions, opportunities, and constraints.
Key Components of GIS
A functioning GIS system includes:
- Hardware
Computers, GPS devices, and sensors used to collect and process spatial data. - Software
GIS software enables data visualization, analysis, and map creation. - Data
The foundation of any GIS system—this includes topographic maps, traffic patterns, infrastructure inventories, environmental data, and more. - People
Skilled professionals interpret GIS data and apply it to transportation planning and engineering. - Methods
Standardized workflows and procedures ensure consistent, reliable data collection and analysis.
How GIS Supports Transportation Engineering
GIS plays a critical role across the entire transportation project lifecycle, helping engineers make better-informed decisions that improve outcomes for communities and stakeholders.
- Planning and Analysis
GIS enables spatial analysis at the early stages of project development, helping our team:
- Assess existing infrastructure
Map current roads, bridges, rail lines, airports, and public transit systems to identify network strengths and gaps. - Identify high-impact areas
Use GIS overlays to locate traffic bottlenecks, accident-prone zones, and underserved regions. - Evaluate environmental impact
Analyze how proposed infrastructure may affect wetlands, habitats, or other sensitive areas using spatial layers.
- Design and Optimization
During the design phase, GIS provides tools for:
- Route selection
Analyze terrain, land use, zoning, and environmental constraints to determine the most efficient and sustainable alignments. - Traffic simulation
Predict vehicle flow and evaluate how new development will impact capacity using GIS-based models. - Asset management
Maintain a real-time inventory of roads, bridges, traffic signals, and other assets for long-term planning and maintenance scheduling.
- Construction and Monitoring
GIS helps manage active construction and monitor performance over time:
- Construction tracking
Monitor progress and compare it against schedules and budgets with GIS-enabled dashboards. - Traffic monitoring
Real-time GIS feeds support incident detection, congestion management, and traffic rerouting strategies.
- Public Engagement
GIS can enhance public understanding of project elements via
- Simplified high quality displays
ESRI product suite provides high quality cartographic tools to create displays beyond the capabilities of traditional CAD software. - Web-based engagement tools
ReWeb GIS allows our team to create multiple application types bringing design elements to users in an interactive environment. Applications including Survey123 help engineering teams receive targeted feedback from those most impacted by the design.
GIS Tools and Technologies We Use
To maximize the benefits of GIS, our team applies advanced technologies across multiple platforms:
- Spatial Analysis Tools
Solve complex routing and network problems, assess accessibility, and estimate travel times. - Remote Sensing & Aerial Photography
Incorporate satellite and drone imagery to update project maps and detect land use changes. - Mobile GIS
Collect on-site data in real time using GPS-enabled devices—ideal for inspections and field assessments. - 3D Modeling & Visualization
Help stakeholders visualize proposed transportation improvements in a realistic, interactive format. - Web GIS
Web-based desktop and mobile GIS solutions bring datasets where you need them most. These applications allow advanced and novice users to utilize powerful GIS tools in office and field settings.
Addressing Challenges in GIS for Transportation
While GIS offers significant advantages, we also help clients navigate potential challenges:
- Data accuracy
We verify data quality to ensure sound analysis and decision-making. - Data security
Our systems are designed to protect sensitive geospatial data from unauthorized access. - Software interoperability
We ensure seamless integration with CAD platforms, traffic simulation software, and asset management systems.
WHERE WE MAKE AN IMPACT
From concept through construction, GIS technology enhances every stage of transportation engineering. It empowers agencies and municipalities to plan more efficiently, design smarter infrastructure, and manage assets with real-time intelligence.
Contact us today to learn how our GIS services can support your next project with location intelligence that delivers measurable results.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are transforming how transportation projects are planned, designed, and managed. At McClure, we use GIS to provide spatial insights that improve decision-making, reduce risk, and deliver smarter, more efficient infrastructure solutions.
What Is GIS?
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a digital framework for capturing, analyzing, and visualizing spatial and geographic data. GIS integrates multiple data sources and displays them on layered, interactive maps. This enables engineers, planners, and decision-makers to better understand patterns, relationships, and trends that affect infrastructure development.
GIS combines location data with qualitative and quantitative analysis to deliver a more complete view of project conditions, opportunities, and constraints.
Key Components of GIS
A functioning GIS system includes:
- Hardware
Computers, GPS devices, and sensors used to collect and process spatial data. - Software
GIS software enables data visualization, analysis, and map creation. - Data
The foundation of any GIS system—this includes topographic maps, traffic patterns, infrastructure inventories, environmental data, and more. - People
Skilled professionals interpret GIS data and apply it to transportation planning and engineering. - Methods
Standardized workflows and procedures ensure consistent, reliable data collection and analysis.
How GIS Supports Transportation Engineering
GIS plays a critical role across the entire transportation project lifecycle, helping engineers make better-informed decisions that improve outcomes for communities and stakeholders.
- Planning and Analysis
GIS enables spatial analysis at the early stages of project development, helping our team:
- Assess existing infrastructure
Map current roads, bridges, rail lines, airports, and public transit systems to identify network strengths and gaps. - Identify high-impact areas
Use GIS overlays to locate traffic bottlenecks, accident-prone zones, and underserved regions. - Evaluate environmental impact
Analyze how proposed infrastructure may affect wetlands, habitats, or other sensitive areas using spatial layers.
- Design and Optimization
During the design phase, GIS provides tools for:
- Route selection
Analyze terrain, land use, zoning, and environmental constraints to determine the most efficient and sustainable alignments. - Traffic simulation
Predict vehicle flow and evaluate how new development will impact capacity using GIS-based models. - Asset management
Maintain a real-time inventory of roads, bridges, traffic signals, and other assets for long-term planning and maintenance scheduling.
- Construction and Monitoring
GIS helps manage active construction and monitor performance over time:
- Construction tracking
Monitor progress and compare it against schedules and budgets with GIS-enabled dashboards. - Traffic monitoring
Real-time GIS feeds support incident detection, congestion management, and traffic rerouting strategies.
- Public Engagement
GIS can enhance public understanding of project elements via
- Simplified high quality displays
ESRI product suite provides high quality cartographic tools to create displays beyond the capabilities of traditional CAD software. - Web-based engagement tools
ReWeb GIS allows our team to create multiple application types bringing design elements to users in an interactive environment. Applications including Survey123 help engineering teams receive targeted feedback from those most impacted by the design.
GIS Tools and Technologies We Use
To maximize the benefits of GIS, our team applies advanced technologies across multiple platforms:
- Spatial Analysis Tools
Solve complex routing and network problems, assess accessibility, and estimate travel times. - Remote Sensing & Aerial Photography
Incorporate satellite and drone imagery to update project maps and detect land use changes. - Mobile GIS
Collect on-site data in real time using GPS-enabled devices—ideal for inspections and field assessments. - 3D Modeling & Visualization
Help stakeholders visualize proposed transportation improvements in a realistic, interactive format. - Web GIS
Web-based desktop and mobile GIS solutions bring datasets where you need them most. These applications allow advanced and novice users to utilize powerful GIS tools in office and field settings.
Addressing Challenges in GIS for Transportation
While GIS offers significant advantages, we also help clients navigate potential challenges:
- Data accuracy
We verify data quality to ensure sound analysis and decision-making. - Data security
Our systems are designed to protect sensitive geospatial data from unauthorized access. - Software interoperability
We ensure seamless integration with CAD platforms, traffic simulation software, and asset management systems.
Where We Make An Impact
From concept through construction, GIS technology enhances every stage of transportation engineering. It empowers agencies and municipalities to plan more efficiently, design smarter infrastructure, and manage assets with real-time intelligence.
Contact us today to learn how our GIS services can support your next project with location intelligence that delivers measurable results.