Synopsis: Right of Way (ROW) data can play an important role in decision making for officials concerned with efficient land management. But how can this data be created and effectively used? Digitizing ROW data to create a single authoritative digital data layer is an important step in making informed choices on land use.
This webinar (recorded on August 11, 2021) brings together Peter Lemack, a project manager for AppGeo and Nicholas Mesenbrick, a GIS analyst for the Colorado Department of Transportation to discuss the benefits of and strategies involved in ROW data modernization.
Right of Way as an Asset
ROW can be viewed in three distinct ways. First as a physical asset, which includes the land itself as well as any value it can provide. Second as a documentary asset, which includes documentation surrounding the land such as CAD, deeds, and source documents. Finally, as an informational asset, which includes the digitized statewide ROW representations.
The digitized ROW can be shared across multiple departments much more easily to encourage use of the most accurate data available.
The Value of Statewide ROW
Making any decision about ROW requires knowing several key facts about statewide ROW. Only by centralizing ROW data can we accurately know the information that’s needed to make policy decisions such as how much land is owned, what that land’s value is, or where the deeds are for a given piece of land.
In addition, using GIS to capture ROW provides unique benefits to planning. Better data visualization will inform the decisions made in these spaces, leading to more efficient outcomes, no matter the desired usage. Creating statewide data sources for ROW can help in a variety of areas from freight route design and roadside maintenance to supporting wildlife conservation in roadside corridors.
Why Modernize?
Modernizing this data by centralizing access will also increase data sharing and workflow, prompting data management best practices and reducing confusion and redundancies in data. In addition, modernization can reduce research time, reduce duplication of efforts, and lead to more responsive and faster management.
By gaining a better understanding of ROW statewide, modernization can actually make money for the DOT by facilitating the use of otherwise neglected parcels. Improvements in cataloging and dataset management will create long term benefits in DOT land management processes for years to come.
Learn more: Vermont Statewide Parcels for Right-of-Way Planning – Mapping Vermont one Parcel at a Time
