Map-based Traffic Orders

The move away from traditional text-based systems

Many authorities throughout the UK have made the move away from the traditional text descriptions to map-based Traffic Order schedules. These map-based systems are much easier to use since they are able to show restrictions visually, exactly as they are on street.

There are many different ways to move from text to map-based schedules and our team is experienced at helping authorities with each of these approaches. If you are thinking of making the change, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Getting your data on to the map

Putting text-based Traffic Orders onto ParkMap generates a GIS map of all the restrictions in an area. If you want to make the move from text to map-based Traffic Orders, you will want to ensure that data is represented in ParkMap in a way that is clear, easy to interpret and accurate. We can advise you in this or undertake the implementation of ParkMap on your behalf.

Using surveys for reliable and accurate mapping

Although map-based Traffic Orders can be set up using existing text descriptions, the difficulties inherent within text Orders can result in discrepancies arising between the mapping of an item and the way in which that item has been represented on the street. For this reason we would recommend that a Traffic Order review is first conducted. Our survey team can undertake this task. We can then use the process described above to prepare a map template, tiles, labels and legend. With this approach, users of the map-based Traffic Order schedule will see provisions marked on the maps exactly as they would see them on street.   

Grid of map tiles

The map schedule for the Traffic Order will be created from a grid of map tiles and each tile will be generated from a template. This will incorporate the standard data required to ensure the map schedule can be fully understood, such as the name of the Traffic Order that the map tile belongs to, a north point for orientation, the map tile reference and version number, its effective date, and pointers to adjoining tiles to help with navigation around the map schedule.

In ParkMap we are able to click on the representation of a provision to find information about it. As a document we can ensure that the information required can be seen on the face of the map. All provisions will be shown on the map using lines of different colours and styles and these will be explained in the legend. In some cases, this will be self-explanatory, such as ‘No waiting at any time’, where the restriction applies 24/7. Other restrictions require us to include further information by providing a label. For example, ‘No waiting’ provisions will have labels indicating the days and times of operation for each ‘No waiting’ restriction shown on the map.