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Office of Data Services and Technology

The Office of Data Services and Technology is the focal point for all GIS activities in the Department including strategic planning, enterprise deployment, spatial data development, cartographic products, training needs, software purchases, and development of GIS applications. The office also specializes in communicating and sharing transportation research results within Caltrans and with the larger transportation community.

Aaron Ott, Office Chief
Email Aaron Ott

What We Do

  • Publish and maintain the Caltrans Linear Referencing System
  • Maintain the Caltrans GIS Data Library
  • Coordinate and publish the Caltrans Web Map Gallery
  • Manage the implementation and deployment of statewide GIS activities for Caltrans
  • Create and implement enterprise GIS systems and services
  • Lead the coordination of GIS activities at Caltrans
  • Manage technology transfer communicating and sharing transportation research results
  • Provide research deployment training, expertise, and project specific guidance and mentoring
  • Maintain and manage public roads functional classification and designation approvals processes
  • Coordinate with Caltrans Legislative Affairs to update and manage state roadways, structures, and appurtenances official names
  • Collaborate with FHWA and Local Agencies to adjust Census designated urban boundaries
  • Manage and maintain the official California Road System (CRS) maps
  • Manage and maintain the Federally mandated Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) condition and performance data
  • Officially certify the annual Maintained Mileage Report of public road mileage for the State
  • Collect State Highway System roadway inventory data and maintain the Transportation System Network (TSN) / Traffic Accident Surveillance and Analysis System (TASAS) database
  • Lead the Transportation System Network Replacement (TSNR) and Model Inventory Roadway Elements (MIRE) data collection projects

Office of Data Services and Technology Branches

Geospatial Enterprise Operations Branch

Harold Feinberg, Chief
Email Harold Feinberg

Our responsibilities include GIS oversight and planning.  

GIS Linear Referencing Services Branch

Gerald Schumacher, Chief
Email Gerald Schumacher

We maintain the Caltrans State Highway System linear referencing services and the local roads linear referencing services.

Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS)

Hiep Nguyen, Technical Lead

Email Hiep Nguyen

The Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) is a federally mandated inventory system and planning tool, designed by FHWA to assess the nation's highway system. HPMS was created in 1978 as a continuing, sample-based monitoring program that requires annual data reporting instead of biennial special studies. The HPMS Branch provides information to State and Federal Legislators necessary to ensure the connectivity, integrity, continuity, and functionality of the highway system and of the California Road System (CRS). We provide data to the Governor's office, the State Legislators, and the Federal Highway Administration in order to secure transportation funding for California's highways. Accurate, complete, and reliable information is provided to decision makers in the Federal Government, State Legislature, the Governor's office, and to other government agencies. We maintain the connectivity, functionality, integrity, numbering system, and naming of the State Highway System. We assist in meeting Federal funding requirements. We work towards the safe, expeditious, and efficient transportation of goods, services, and the traveling public across, through, and within California. Caltrans improves mobility across California using our data.

  • Functional Classification
    The Federal Highway Administration [FHWA) identifies functional classification as a key item in transportation data. Streets and highways are grouped into classes according to the service they provide. The California Road System (CRS maps) on this web site display functional classification which is used in determining Federal funding to maintain the roads. The FHWA stamp of approval is in the lower left corner of each CRS map (PDF), which makes it the official functional classification.
  • California Road System (CRS) Maps
    The California Road System (CRS) maps display functional classification which is used in determining Federal funding to maintain the roads. The FHWA stamp of approval is in the lower left corner of each CRS map (PDF), which makes the functional classification official.
  • National Highway System (NHS)
    The NHS consists of roadways important to the nation’s economy, defense, and mobility.
  • Adjusted Urban Areas
    Federal transportation legislation allows for the expansion of the Census‐defined urban areas for transportation planning purposes. The adjustment process is completed through the cooperative efforts of State and local officials and approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The Adjusted Urban Area Maps are the result of this process.
  • California Public Road Data
    The publications, California Public Road Data, contain statistical information derived from the Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS).

Research Deployment Branch 

Juan Araya, Chief
Email Juan Araya

Our responsibilities include communicating the value of transportation research. Sharing research results is a critical step in facilitating technology transfer and implementing innovative solutions to transportation challenges.

More about Research Deployment Support Branch

We assist in the evaluation, development, demonstration, and deployment of new technologies and products in Transportation research.

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