Three location referencing method families: A new theoretical framework

Abstract

This conceptual paper provides a new theoretical framework for location necessary to enable integration of current road asset management systems with digital designs based on IFC standards. Three important concepts are proposed. The first is redefining the meaning of location data taking into account three different types of model view: linear/network location referencing methods, spatial earth coordinates, and digital design modelling. The creation of new families for location referencing methods takes into account these model views. The new families proposed are: Topological (Logical Linear and Network Referencing), Geospatial (Real World Coordinates), and Geometric (Model Coordinates). By expanding the definitions of each of these families, a more complex, and thus, more inclusive concept of location data can be utilised to support the storage and retrieval of both heritage and future road asset location information.