Evaluation of infrastructure monitoring systems using PDA and GPS technologies

Abstract

In the world of changing technology, the ways in which people live and work are being redefined. With the rapid expansion of Information Technology, it is much easier and efficient to complete complicated and time-consuming tasks in every industry. By implementing personal digital assistant (PDA) and Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies in an infrastructure monitoring system, one can significantly reduce its administrative cost and improve its efficiency. A PDA allows the user to input data quickly and then stores it digitally using synchronization between the PDA and a desktop or server to automatically transfer the data. Old data collection methods such as clipboards and notebooks are no longer required. By integrating a PDA and GPS, one can determine one's location any point and perform actions based on knowing the location, such as navigation or obtaining weather information. In this thesis, PDA and GPS technologies for developing an infrastructure monitoring system are discussed. I first give an overview of PDA technology, its history, its platform, and its application development environment. Next, I provide details on GPS technology including its basic concepts and applicability. Finally, I discuss how incorporating these technologies benefits the Arlington Pavement Management and Inspection System. A comprehensive pavement management system is the key to better reconstruction, rehabilitation and maintenance decision making. When properly designed and implemented, a pavement management system can be highly effective in improving pavement maintenance, as well as reducing the administrative burdens of frequent data collection. The Arlington project is used as a case to demonstrate how PDA and GPS technologies actually work in a practical infrastructure monitoring system.