UTILIZING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) FOR

COMPREHENSIVE TRAFFIC ASSESSMENT IN NAVAL, BILIRAN

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A Quantitative Research
Presented to the
Faculty of School of Engineering
Biliran Province State University
Naval, Biliran

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In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in

CE Project 1

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JAN ALTHEA C. DELOS REYES

HANNAH MAE V. PANES

ENGR. LILIBETH D. AMADOR

Instructor

November 2024
 UTILIZING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) FOR

COMPREHENSIVE TRAFFIC ASSESSMENT IN NAVAL, BILIRAN

Jan Althea C. Delos Reyes, Hannah Mae V. Panes

Biliran Province State University, P. Inocentes St., Naval, Biliran, 6560,

Biliran, Philippines

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Chapter I

Introduction

Background of the Study

Traffic jams during rush hour are a natural byproduct of how

contemporary civilizations function. It results from people's common desire to

achieve particular objectives, which inevitably overload the roads and

transportation systems that are in place on a daily basis. However, despite

efforts to find solutions, traffic congestion is despised by all and just gets

worse. Commuters frequently express frustration at the inaction of

policymakers to address the issue, which presents a serious public policy

dilemma [1]. A key component of transportation infrastructure, traffic

management is essential to maintaining the effectiveness and safety of our

highways. Since the road network in the UK is among the most intricate and

widely used in the world, effective traffic management is crucial to ensuring

that traffic moves smoothly and lowering the likelihood of accidents and

congestion [2].

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a powerful technology that

allows for the integration, analysis, and visualization of spatial and non-spatial
data. In the context of traffic management, GIS can be used to map traffic

flows, analyze congestion points, identify accident-prone areas, and evaluate

the efficiency of existing traffic control systems. By leveraging GIS, local

authorities can make data-driven decisions that enhance traffic management

strategies, leading to improved road safety, reduced congestion, and better

transportation planning [3].

In Naval, Biliran, the need for an efficient traffic management system is

growing, particularly as the town experiences infrastructural development and

an increase in motor vehicle usage. The current traffic management

strategies, while functional, lack the comprehensive, data-backed insights

needed to proactively address traffic-related issues. This gap provides an

opportunity to implement GIS as a modern approach to traffic assessment,

offering a clearer understanding of traffic patterns and allowing for predictive

modeling that can inform future infrastructure and policy decisions.

This study aims to explore the potential of GIS in addressing these

challenges by conducting a comprehensive traffic assessment of Naval,

Biliran. By mapping the road network, analyzing traffic congestion, and

simulating traffic scenarios, this research will provide valuable insights into the

effectiveness of existing traffic management strategies and propose data-

driven solutions for improvement.

Objectives of the Study

1. Map and plot the current traffic flow pattern and existing road network

using GIS technology according to:

 Number of vehicles
  Number of parked vehicles

 Road Conditions

 Routes of the road

 Dimension of the road

2. Identify the traffic conditions and peak hour bottlenecks using GIS

based on:

 Number of vehicles

 Number of parked vehicles

 Road Conditions

 Routes of the road

 Dimension of the road

3. Provide the level of service current traffic management strategies

using GIS-based simulations and predictive modeling.

4. Propose data-driven solutions, policy, and recommendation in the

Local Government Unit for traffic improvement of Naval, Biliran.

Scope and Limitations

This study aims to leverage Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for

a comprehensive traffic assessment in Naval, Biliran, focusing on analyzing

traffic flow, identifying congestion points, and evaluating the effectiveness of

existing traffic management strategies. The scope includes the collection and

integration of spatial data related to the road network, traffic volumes, and

road consitions within the town, along with simulations of traffic scenarios to

propose data-driven solutions for improvement. However, the study is limited

by several factors, including the availability and accuracy of existing traffic

data, which may impact the reliability of the GIS analysis. Additionally, the

research will primarily focus on vehicular traffic and may not encompass other

transportation modes, such as pedestrian and cyclist traffic, which could

provide a more holistic view of the transportation dynamics. The timeframe for

data collection and analysis may also restrict the comprehensiveness of the

assessment, as traffic patterns can vary significantly with seasonal changes

and local events. Lastly, while the study aims to offer actionable

recommendations, the implementation of proposed solutions may be

influenced by external factors such as budget constraints and regulatory

challenges, which are beyond the scope of this research.

Theoretical Framework

The theoretical framework for this study is grounded in the integration

of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with traffic assessment

methodologies to enhance urban transportation management. It draws on

several key theories, including spatial analysis, systems theory, and decision

support systems. Spatial analysis provides the foundational understanding of

how geographical data can be utilized to visualize and interpret traffic

patterns, allowing for the identification of congestion points, accident hotspots,

and road usage trends. Systems theory emphasizes the interconnectedness

of various elements within the urban traffic environment, highlighting how road

networks, traffic control measures, and vehicle behavior interact dynamically.

By leveraging GIS as a decision support system, the study enables data-

driven analysis and simulation of traffic scenarios, facilitating informed

decision-making for traffic management strategies. This framework

emphasizes the importance of integrating geospatial data with transportation

planning processes to create a comprehensive understanding of traffic

conditions in Naval, Biliran, ultimately leading to improved traffic flow,

enhanced safety, and sustainable urban development. Through this

theoretical lens, the study aims to contribute to the body of knowledge on

smart urban mobility and provide practical recommendations for local

authorities in managing traffic effectively.

Conceptual Framework
 Chapter II

Review of Related Literature

The "Assessment of the Geographic Information Systems’ (GIS) Needs

and Obstacles in Traffic Safety" (FHWA-HRT, 2013) outlines the growing

adoption and integration of GIS technologies among States in response to the

Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). The report

emphasizes the need for States to develop a comprehensive basemap of all

public roadways, which requires utilizing a unified GIS framework to support

traditional and advanced safety analyses, such as those outlined in the

Highway Safety Manual (HSM). It highlights the need for collaboration

between States and local agencies, where local agencies would provide

crucial data for GIS implementations. Additionally, States are encouraged to

adopt advanced analytic tools like SafetyAnalyst and IHSDM. The Federal

Highway Administration (FHWA) is identified as a key player in providing

guidance, resources, and models for effective data collection, integration, and

analysis. The research also outlines the need to evaluate the benefits, costs,

and sufficiency of GIS data systems and analytic methods [4].

The study of GIS in Managing a Major Transportation Program:

Evaluation and Lessons Learne by Ford et.al. (2012) discusses the role of

GIS in the Oregon Transportation Investment Act III State Bridge Delivery

Program, a $1.3 billion project to repair and reconstruct bridges in Oregon.

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), in partnership with the

Oregon Bridge Delivery Partners (OBDP), utilized GIS as part of their

information management strategy. A benefit-cost (BC) analysis conducted in

2010 showed that GIS and other information technologies provided positive

returns. The review identified key factors for maximizing GIS benefits in major

programs, including timing, flexibility, system compatibility, integration with

project standards, and alignment with legal and contractual obligations. The

authors conclude that while the GIS technology itself was effective, an

integrated approach was essential for maximizing its value within the program

[5].

Route optimization is a critical component of traffic management,

especially in urban areas where efficient movement of vehicles is essential for

reducing congestion and ensuring smooth traffic flow. Traditional methods of

traffic management, such as manual route planning, often fail to account for

the complexity of modern transportation systems. As noted by Sureshkumar,

Supraja, and Sowmya (2017), the integration of Geographic Information

Systems (GIS) in route optimization offers significant advantages. Unlike

basic shortest-path algorithms, GIS-based route optimization considers not

only the shortest distance but also factors like road capacity, traffic volume,

and spatial constraints, enabling maximum utilization of available road

networks [6].

Khalesian et.al. (2009) discusses the need for integrating spatio-

temporal GIS for transportation (TGIS-T) with Intelligent Transport Systems

(ITS) to improve traffic management. One key component of ITS is Advanced

Traffic Management Systems (ATMS), which predict traffic congestion,

provide real-time traffic data, and offer optimal control strategies. ATMS

requires automated traffic information acquisition, such as traffic volume, but

installing detectors at all urban intersections in the short term is challenging.

The paper proposes a method to prioritize intersection importance for detector

installation using GIS, dynamic traffic modeling, and space syntax theory. The

approach was tested in North-West Tehran, showing its effectiveness in

identifying critical intersections for traffic control [7].

Aliniai et.al. (2015), estimated the required area for new parking using

the Parking Generation Method. They then consider several criteria for site

selection, such as proximity to travel hubs, distance from main roads, real

estate costs, and appropriate land use for parking. Constraints, such as

proximity to historical monuments, are also factored in to exclude unsuitable

sites. The criteria were weighted using pairwise comparisons, and the site

selection process was initially performed using the Boolean Method. Due to

inadequate distribution of sites, the analysis was repeated with the Fuzzy

Ordered Weighted Average (OWA) method, ultimately identifying four optimal

locations for new public parking lots. This approach demonstrates how GIS

and advanced spatial analysis techniques can effectively address urban

parking challenges, improving traffic management and urban planning [8].

The study of Chung, J.-H., & Goulias, K. G. (1996) merges regional

and local traffic models, leveraging geographic information systems (GIS) for

detailed highway networks, facilitating better congestion management and

access control.

The method focuses on supply-side improvements, such as lane adjustments,

signalization, and parking controls, to enhance traffic flow. The study outlines

the data, models, and software involved, with an application example

demonstrating the method's effectiveness. Initial results show that new

developments influence traffic volumes and route choices, while connecting

local models to regional ones via interface software allows for detailed

analysis.

Through simulations using Traf-NETSIM, two scenarios were tested,

revealing that the access control scenario led to higher speeds and reduced

traffic delays on primary arterial roads, indicating the model's success in

managing congestion and improving traffic conditions [9].

Prior Art Review

Ashara et.al. (2020) study explores the use of Geographic Information

System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) techniques to map and

analyze traffic conditions in Abuja, Nigeria. The research aims to address

increasing traffic congestion by collecting both primary data (geographical

coordinates, traffic counts, and congestion levels) and secondary data

(topographical and road maps). Using ArcGIS 10, the study develops a Traffic

Conditions Information System (TCIS) to visually display traffic patterns,

including congestion severity and vehicle volume along selected corridors.

The results provide critical insights for traffic management agencies in Abuja,

facilitating better decision-making and prioritization of infrastructure

investments. By analyzing factors such as speed, level of service, traffic

volume, and delay times, the study demonstrates how GIS and GPS can

serve as effective tools for both spatial and non-spatial traffic data analysis,

contributing to improved traffic control and planning [10].

Research Gap
 While GIS has been widely applied in urban traffic management and

congestion analysis in larger cities, there is limited research on its use for

comprehensive traffic assessment in smaller, less urbanized areas such as

Naval, Biliran yet also experience heavy traffics. Existing studies tend to focus

on major metropolitan regions with well-developed infrastructure and data

availability. In contrast, Naval, Biliran may present unique traffic challenges,

such as limited road networks, irregular traffic patterns, and insufficient

historical traffic data, which are not adequately addressed in current literature.

Moreover, there is a need to explore how GIS can be tailored to smaller

municipalities with constrained resources, focusing on cost-effective solutions,

real-time data integration, and the incorporation of local traffic variables.

Addressing this gap could provide valuable insights into developing GIS-

based traffic solutions for Naval, Biliran.

Chapter III

Methodology

Research Design

The researchers will use the combination of quantitative and

descriptive design in studying the use of Geographic Information Systems

(GIS) in comprehensive traffic assessment, as it allows researchers to

systematically collect numerical data on traffic counts, and travel times at

specific locations and times of day using manual observation. Employ

descriptive statistics to summarize and present data findings, such as average

traffic counts and peak hours of congestion. Visualize data through graphs,

charts, and maps to highlight key trends and patterns in traffic behavior.
Research Locale

The study will be taken place at Naval, Biliran, Philippines. Specifically

at road between Barangay PI Garcia, Barangay Santisimo Rosario and the

Naval-Caibiran Cross Country Road infront of Biliran Province State

University.

Materials and Methods

Objective No. 1: Map and plot the current traffic flow pattern and existing

road network using GIS technology according to:

 Number of vehicles

 Number of parked vehicles

 Road Conditions

 Routes of the road

 Dimension of the road

Data Collection:

Road Network Data

Collection of georaphical data on the existing road networks in Naval,

Biliran through Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), open

data platforms from OpenStreetMap and the Global Positioning System

(GPS).

Traffic Flow Data:

Traffic flow data gathering through the traffic count manual survey on

each vehicle in accordance to the number of wheels at the following streets;

Vicentillo, Padre Innocentes, Corvera, Caneja, San Juan, Abad, Castin,

Redaza streets to get vehicle volumes and patterns. The data will be collected

in different days (Monday-Sunday) in the selected roads.

Map of traffic conditions:

In this analysis, the traffic condition maps will be created using the

QGIS, by creating a digital database of all the variables selected. The

analyzation will be performed using both the overlay methodology and the

legend editor plotting the existence of the number of vehicles passing on the

streets, number of parked vehicles, location of road conditions, routes of the

road and the dimension of the roads.

Objective No. 2: Identify the traffic conditions and peak hour bottlenecks

using GIS based on:

 Number of vehicles

 Number of parked vehicles

 Road Conditions
  Routes of the road

 Dimension of the road

With the digital database created using QGIS, an analysis using Kernel

Density Estimation (KDE) will be created to show concentrations of traffic

congestion points during peak hours. In this study, overlaying traffic flow data

on the road network will be done to identify locations where traffic significantly

slows down, signaling bottlenecks. Usage of network analysis tools in GIS to

examine intersections or junctions that consistently experience delays and

high vehicle densities during peak hours in the form of scale (Light, Moderate,

Heavy). By performing time-series analysis, it will pinpoint the exact hours

when traffic congestion is at its worst, while proximity analysis allows

assessing how nearby factors, such as schools, markets, or hospitals,

influence traffic patterns. And visualization of these findings using GIS,

creating interactive maps with color-coded layers to illustrate the severity and

timing of congestion, along with key bottleneck areas.

Objective No. 3: Provide the level of service current traffic management

strategies using GIS-based simulations and predictive modeling.

Level of Service (LOS) for the roads or intersections based on traffic density

and flow. LOS is a qualitative measure that categorizes traffic conditions from

A (free flow) to F (forced flow/congestion). For example:

 LOS A: Free flow, little to no congestion.

 LOS E: Significant congestion, close to breakdown.

 LOS F: Complete breakdown, traffic jams.

 To simulate traffic conditions in Naval, Biliran using GIS, it will start by

adding the collected traffic volume data to the digital map of the town’s road

network. Linking this data to each street so that the map shows how many

vehicles use each road, especially during peak hours. Next, using QGIS tool

with the traffic simulation feature to model how vehicles move through the

network, showing where congestion and slowdowns happen. Running

simulations for different times of day to see how traffic patterns shift. Creation

of color-coded maps which will easily visualize heavy traffic areas. This gives

a clear picture of current traffic flow and helps pinpoint problem areas for

improvement.

Finally, application of the Volume-to-Capacity (V/C) Ratio Analysis will

provide a clear measure of congestion by comparing actual traffic volume with

the road's capacity. When the V/C ratio exceeds 1.0, it indicates that traffic

demand is higher than what the road can handle, leading to congestion.

Integrating V/C ratios into a GIS platform allows for precise mapping of

congestion hotspots, highlighting streets or intersections where the current

traffic management strategies may be insufficient.

Objective No. 4: Propose data-driven solutions, policy, and recommendation

in the Local Government Unit for traffic improvement of Naval, Biliran.

With the given data, visualizing these high V/C areas on a GIS map, it

can identify where traffic consistently surpasses capacity, signaling a need for

adjustments such as optimizing signal timing, adding lanes, or rerouting traffic

to relieve pressure on overburdened areas. Rerouting strategies, alternate

routes, and traffic calming measures near high-pedestrian zones are also

recommended to relieve congested areas. Policies that address parking

management, zoning for balanced growth, and improved public transportation

and active mobility options can reduce vehicle dependency and ease

congestion. Together, these measures provide the LGU with a targeted plan

for safer, more efficient traffic management.

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