Waste collection is one of the most essential services for any community, yet managing it efficiently has become increasingly complex.
Challenge
For years, Roanoke County’s waste management operations relied on legacy JavaScript GIS applications that were nearing the end of their lifecycle. These outdated tools presented multiple challenges. Security vulnerabilities and limited scalability made it increasingly difficult to maintain the system. Operational inefficiencies were compounded by the lack of real-time data, which meant that fleet managers had no visibility into active routes, truck locations, or performance metrics.
Maintenance issues were another major concern. Without sensor-driven insights, the County could not proactively identify wear and tear on critical truck components such as side arms and packers. This reactive approach often resulted in breakdowns, extended downtime, and higher repair costs. Route optimization was limited, leading to unnecessary fuel consumption and service delays.
Residents also felt the impact. Without timely updates, they were often left uncertain about pickup schedules or service interruptions. The County recognized the need for a modern, integrated GIS solution that could deliver real-time fleet tracking, incorporate IoT data, support predictive maintenance, and improve citizen engagement while replacing the obsolete systems.
Solution
To address these challenges, Roanoke County partnered with NV5, a firm experienced in modernizing GIS for state and local governments. Together, they designed and implemented TrashView using Esri ArcGIS Experience Builder Developer Edition.
The solution was engineered to integrate IoT sensors, fleet telematics, and predictive analytics into a single, user-friendly platform. Real-time tracking capabilities allow managers to monitor truck locations, compaction cycles, and side-arm usage. Predictive maintenance features help detect mechanical issues before they cause breakdowns, reducing downtime and repair expenses.
Virginia Tech students played a key role in the deployment by installing IoT sensors on the County’s waste collection trucks. These sensors capture detailed operational data, including mileage, route completion, and equipment usage patterns. This granular data fuels analytics that help optimize routes, balance workloads, and improve service delivery.
The platform also includes a public-facing component to keep residents informed about pickup schedules, service changes, and other updates. Its scalable architecture ensures that the system can be expanded to support additional County services, positioning TrashView as a foundational element of Roanoke County’s broader smart county vision.
Results
To address these challenges, Roanoke County partnered with NV5, a firm experienced in modernizing GIS for state and local governments. Together, they designed and implemented TrashView using Esri ArcGIS Experience Builder Developer Edition.
The solution was engineered to integrate IoT sensors, fleet telematics, and predictive analytics into a single, user-friendly platform. Real-time tracking capabilities allow managers to monitor truck locations, compaction cycles, and side-arm usage. Predictive maintenance features help detect mechanical issues before they cause breakdowns, reducing downtime and repair expenses.
Virginia Tech students played a key role in the deployment by installing IoT sensors on the County’s waste collection trucks. These sensors capture detailed operational data, including mileage, route completion, and equipment usage patterns. This granular data fuels analytics that help optimize routes, balance workloads, and improve service delivery.
The platform also includes a public-facing component to keep residents informed about pickup schedules, service changes, and other updates. Its scalable architecture ensures that the system can be expanded to support additional County services, positioning TrashView as a foundational element of Roanoke County’s broader smart county vision.
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