The use of geographic information system (GIS) based management tools is a widely discussed topic in all areas of highway transportation. In 1992, the Arizona Department of Transportation completed work on a new generation of landscape management systems called PIMa (Plant Inventory and Management). This system utilizes a unique combination of computer-based technologies to plan and track all landscape and irrigation maintenance activities on the highly landscaped freeway system in the greater Phoenix area. The system is "paperless" in that all work scheduling, field reporting and accounting operations are accomplished in an electronic environment. PIMa utilizes a pen sensitive screen device to communicate sensitive screen device to communicate work assignments and for all field information reporting. In addition to the basic information communication, the device also has graphic capabilities which have been utilized to provide maps of the lanscape development and irrigation system. This information is all contained in a device about the size of a clipboard. The operational framework of the system is the GIS environment which formats, stores, processes and prepares a variety of management reports. The GIS system allows production of standard reports along with the unique ability to produce output in map form. This allows managers to see proble areas and take remedial actions as needed. This presentation will be of particular interest to roadside managers thinking of adopting a GIS base for roadside activities. (A)
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