Project 14.4
DOT Traveler Information Website Crowdsourcing Practices
Some state Departments of Transportation (DOT) traveler information websites use crowdsourced data to convey information for road weather conditions, traffic, or incidents, but there are challenges in validating the reports.
Crowdsourcing, as defined by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Every Day Counts-5: Crowdsourcing for Operations, turns transportation system users into real-time sensors on system performance by providing low-cost, high-quality data on traffic operations, roadway conditions, and travel platforms. Crowdsourcing enables agency staff to cost-effectively apply proactive strategies to make decisions that lead to safer and more reliable travel.
This report examined the crowdsourcing practices of several agencies to understand practices around managing crowdsourced data from third-party providers, citizen reporting, and social media on DOT traveler information websites.