Linear Referencing System

At the core of TEAMS is the Linear Referencing System (LRS). The LRS allows for all enterprise-wide data to be related, cross-referenced and queried without the head ache of complex data conversions.

The LRS supports and is essential to all enterprise roadway data applications such as Accurate Routing, Pavement Management, Outdoor Advertising, Safety Management, Realty Assets, Work Zone Management, Traffic Management, Bridge Management, Travelway Inventories and Comprehensive Reporting. Having the LRS tie all enterprise data together is the key to supporting maintenance and reporting using any of the referencing methods in the LRS.

The LRS supports:

• Multiple reference systems – continuous log miles across a state to local and county, based log mile systems
• Overlapping and multiple routes in the same system, including alias names.
• Bi-directional divided and undivided roadways
• Data entry using distance to or from a known point – GPS coordinates, mile-markers, intersections, or roadway feature
• Automatic changes to appropriate records in the data tables by the RDBMS that corresponds to that portion of the roadway, when the underlying LRS data is revised
• Dynamic Segmentation

The robustness of the LRS allows for the use of multiple LRS. For example an organization may realize the benefits of supporting comprehensive data analysis and reporting using a true engineering centerline LRS, a travelway (roadbed/roadway) LRS and a planned, non-existant, road LRS together.
The LRS, using an ArcGIS Server, provides the tools necessary to allow authorized users the ability to edit, add, or delete the appropriate components of the LRS, including the geometry and route definitions utilized within the LRS. For MoDOT, the state route system definition components include route direction, route designation, and route name. As for the MoDOT’s county route system, route definition components include county, route direction, route designation, and route name . Geometric edits to one route in one system can automatically make updates to the corresponding route(s) that are also impacted. The LRS can be defined to meet an organization’s unique needs.

The GIS interface used to update the LRS and other TEAMS system’s attributes uses the feature/functionality available in ArcGIS, such as coordinate data entry, coordinate geometry data entry, georeferencing scanned plans/maps for heads up digitizing, importing CAD files, or just supporting the ‘free hand’ drawing of features. Editing tools allow users to use all types of spatial data – feature, political, imagery, plans, engineering designs, and GPS to help in the accurate editing of LRS. Along with the ability to query, analyze and visualize the LRS and their edits, users are supported by data entry business rules help ensure data quality by validating changes to the LRS prior to being committed to the LRS.

For example, the geometrics of a roadway results in the shorting of the road and vacation of part of the roadway. The portion of road that is vacated carried one or more LRS routes and associated data from all TEAMS systems. When the edit is complete and verified, for the vacated length of the road, the portion of LRS route(s) and associated TEAMS data is retired, not deleted, and still available, when desired by a user. Any changes in route measurements due to the change in geometrics are automatically applied to the routes in the LRS and all associated enterprise wide TEAMS data at the same time, automatically, to ensure data consistency. The LRS and enterprise data associated with the LRS are always in sync with each other.