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Vermont Route Log & Progress Chart

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Why we love it

Here we see fine-grained detail for every location along a Vermont roadway. It’s a lot of thematic data presented in a unique, intuitive way. If this were a traditional map, it would not be possible to visualize so much information without clutter from too many symbols. We love how this map, really a straight-line diagram, flattens the route into a series of categorized lines, stacked so each vertical cross-section connects multiple variables to one location on the road.    

Why it works

Good decisions come when we integrate and relate many kinds of information to understand relationships between parts and the whole. This map facilitates that by showing 50 different thematic layers for a single highway. It solves an age-old cartographic problem of how to show lots of data in a limited, static display. Each vertical cross-section paints a clear and complete picture of the complex conditions for any location along Vermont’s transportation corridor. 

Important steps

  • Use map automation tool

    Pre-process the data and automate map production using a map automation tool consisting of a single map document template and a suite of Python scripts called “Route Log System.”
    Get a Python tutorial

  • Route without X and Y coordinates

    Represent routes as straight lines with a built-in linear referencing system (LRS). Render Highway data along those routes using dynamic segmentation (DynSeg), locating by route and mile marker instead of X and Y coordinates.
    Learn more about linear referencing

  • Select templates carefully

    The template has 16 data frames, about 80 data layers, and 150+ layout elements (text, graphics, legends, etc.). ArcGIS automation scripts leverage data attribute values to update data frame extents, layer definition queries, and text elements to produce each route log.

  • Assemble the components of your map

    Launch data pre-processing scripts to create the straight-line routes and boundary lines, merge datasets shown in the stick diagram, assign predefined offsets to street names and station labels, highway data onto straight line routes, and convert to feature classes.
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Requirements

  • Data and software

    The route logs integrate approximately 50 internal data sources including road centerlines, route definitions, structures, rail crossings, urban areas, maintenance areas, speed zones, traffic counts, counters, crash data, and more. Software used: ArcGIS Desktop.
    Download the VT Hydrography Dataset

  • Analysis

    The Route Log System’s Python scripts incorporate ArcGIS geoprocessing tools and toolboxes: Summary Statistics, Dissolve, Minimum Bounding Geometry, Linear Referencing Toolbox, Data Management Toolbox, and Conversion Toolbox.
    Geoprocessing tools

  • Time

    The Route Log System took an inexperienced GIS Specialist about six months to develop. Each PDF takes about three minutes to produce.
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Tips and tricks

  • There are options for vertical separation

    Multiple data frames and symbol offsetting can vertically separate overlapping data into parallel arrangements.

  • Gridlines help the readers

    The use of regular gridlines helps readers visually line up content as they scan vertically.

  • Measure routes with hatch layer properties

    Hatch layer properties customize the display of measures along specific kinds of routes.
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Resources

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Kerry Alley, mapping and GIS specialist

Map Author

Kerry Alley

Kerry Alley is a Mapping & GIS Specialist with the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans). Her expertise includes using Python scripting to automate map production, creating custom ArcMap tools, and generating Straight Line Diagrams.

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