Use of appropriate high-tech solutions for road network and condition analysis, with a focus on satellite imagery

Project Objectives

This project has two components, firstly to develop a methodology for using satellite imagery to assess road condition, and secondly to explore other high-tech solutions for network assessment, such as big data, mobile phones, UAVs (drones) etc. The project objectives are:

Research – To provide a cost-effective and reliable high-tech solution for the capture of maintenance management data related to inventory and condition of a country's rural road network. This includes mapping of previously un-mapped networks and finding a way to assess their condition in new and innovative ways.

Capacity Building and Technology Transfer - To enhance the capacity of relevant partner-country road and transport ministries, departments and agencies in the key areas covered by the project. Wherever possible local institutions should be used to carry out training, and regional conferences and events will be used to disseminate the knowledge gained.

Uptake and Embedment - Incorporate a process for keeping relevant agencies fully informed on project outcomes and how these outcomes can be cost-effectively utilised in normal practice. 

Typical UAV for aerial imagery (photo: TRL)

Methodology and Phasing

Most AfCAP countries were interested to participate in this project, but there is only capacity to engage with four. An objective review has identified Ghana, Kenya, Uganda and Zambia as the most appropriate partners, based on climate, geography, vegetation and local capacity, with the possibility of including some other countries to a lesser extent. There are three phases, which together comprise the full 12 months of the project.

Phase 1 is the inception, which includes a desk study and literature review. During this time the pilot studies are identified for Phase 2 and the partner countries are selected. Partner countries are required to provide resources to complement the AfCAP funding and technical assistance.

Phase 2 involves carrying out pilot research studies in each country. It is expected that each country will undergo a satellite mapping and condition assessment exercise, as well as trialling one or two high-tech solutions, as identified during the desk study. The results of this research will be consolidated into a guideline for high-tech solutions for rural road network inventory and road condition assessment, including a methodology for using satellite imagery to assess paved and unpaved road conditions.

Phase 3 will see presentation of the results at a stakeholder workshop, culminating in a final report and a scientific paper to be published in a relevant journal.