3.6 Summary of Lesson 3

In this lesson, we discussed a number of geocoding techniques and considered the pros and cons of each. We also examined the properties of an address locator in ArcGIS and the role it plays in the geocoding process. You had the opportunity to construct your own address locator using TIGER/Line shapefiles and used it to geocode a series of addresses.

We also learned a bit about conflation especially in regards to roadway datasets. You then explored some of the tools in ArcGIS which can be used to conflate multiple datasets.

Our transportation organizations of the week were MPOs and RPOs. We learned about how they are structured and the responsibilities they have in the area of transportation planning.

In our weekly webinar, we had the opportunity to interact with Dr. Ira Beckerman, an archaeologist who leads PennDOT’s cultural resources group which is responsible for the Department’s compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. We also had the opportunity to hear from Glenn McNichol, a Senior GIS Specialist with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC).

In preparation for next week’s webinar, we took a look at DVRPC, a large MPO which handles the Philadelphia area, and explored the types of transportation projects they conduct.

Finally, you had the opportunity to get to know one of your classmates a little better and share some of your ideas and questions about this week’s lesson materials.