Research consultancy
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) refer to technologies that facilitate the collection, storage, analysis, and presentation of spatial data. By integrating diverse datasets—including geographical, demographic, and environmental information—GIS provides a comprehensive platform for understanding complex interactions within transportation systems (Zhao, Mbachu, & Liu, 2022). The spatial insights generated by GIS are instrumental in improving the efficiency of highway planning and maintenance strategies (Le & Jeong, 2022). Over the past two decades, GIS has evolved into an essential tool in global transport planning (Subedi, Chou, & Williams, 2022).
In response to this transformation, countries worldwide have increased investments in IT infrastructure to support GIS implementation. Current global IT expenditure surpasses USD 5 trillion, with nations like the United States allocating approximately USD 74 billion annually to technology services (Rajaduraj & Vilventhan, 2022). These investments underscore the critical role of GIS in supporting complex planning processes.
Highway planning involves multidimensional procedures aimed at forecasting future transportation needs and recommending strategic solutions across local, national, and network levels (Zhao, Liu, & Mbachu, 2019). Legislation such as the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA, 1991) and the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21, 1998) mandated the integration of information technologies into transportation planning, emphasizing the need for synergy between land use and transportation systems (Zhao, 2022). In this regard, GIS for Transportation (GIS-T) has become increasingly relevant, enabling scenario modeling to assess policy impacts (Le & Jeong, 2022).
The development of GIS-T can be traced back to pioneering efforts in the 1970s, although its prominence grew significantly in the 1980s (Elhashash, Albanwan, & Qin, 2022). Today, GIS serves as a vital tool for highway engineers across Africa (Elhaji & Ochieng, 2021). In Uganda, agencies such as the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) and the Ministry of Works and Transport utilize GIS in various applications including highway maintenance, traffic modeling, accident analysis, and route planning (Owusu & Essandoh, 2018).
UNRA’s use of GIS spans infrastructure planning, traffic control, demand analysis, transit operations, and environmental impact assessments (Kayondo-Ndhandiko, Bax, & Togboa, 2010). In South Africa, GIS was utilized to support the design of a major highway between Johannesburg and Durban by evaluating routes based on cost, time, and ecological factors (Eria & Marikannan, 2019). Similarly, Kenya’s National Transport and Safety Authority used GIS to map accident-prone zones, integrating data on design, weather, and traffic to prioritize safety upgrades (Elhaji & Ochieng, 2021). Nigeria’s Federal Road Maintenance Agency applied GIS to monitor road conditions and schedule timely repairs, thus enhancing road safety and functionality (Abou-shaara, Al-Ghamdi, & Mohamed, 2013).
In Uganda, GIS empowers engineers to analyze large volumes of spatial and attribute data, guiding highway design and lifecycle maintenance (Atwongyeire et al., 2022). For instance, GIS enables the identification of accident hotspots and the underlying causes—such as road layout or weather—informing interventions like signage, barriers, or improved lighting (Deka, 2020).
However, despite its potential, GIS integration faces notable challenges in Uganda. These include limited financial resources, inadequate technological infrastructure, insufficient data, and a shortage of skilled personnel (Odongo, 2017; Watson et al., 2021). Overcoming these barriers is essential to fully leverage GIS in optimizing national highway strategies.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The complexity of transportation systems varies across geographic regions and land-use contexts. Effective planning requires a clear understanding of the spatial and temporal patterns that influence infrastructure needs. Despite the recognized advantages of GIS in supporting decision-making, its adoption in Uganda—particularly by UNRA—has been limited by financial constraints, data availability, technological infrastructure, and institutional fragmentation.
Evidence from projects such as the Kampala Northern Bypass reveals gaps in maintenance, including potholes, poor drainage, faded signage, and insufficient bridge inspections. Flood-prone areas such as Bwaise, Kalerwe, and Busega suffer from inadequate planning for terrain and hydrological conditions. These inefficiencies are often the result of fragmented GIS implementation, lack of integration among planning modules, and underutilization of spatial data during the decision-making process (UNRA, 2020; Deka, 2020).
Moreover, the cost of GIS tools and a shortage of technically trained personnel continue to limit its uptake. Similar trends have been observed in other African nations, such as Nigeria, where planners lacked the skills to apply GIS effectively (Mark, 2019). Therefore, this study seeks to explore how GIS can be more effectively integrated into UNRA’s operations to enhance the planning and maintenance of Uganda’s highway infrastructure.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1.3.1 General Objective
To develop a framework for integrating GIS to enhance highway planning and maintenance strategies in Uganda.
1.3.2 Specific Objectives
i. To assess how GIS is currently utilized by UNRA in highway planning and maintenance.
ii. To identify challenges limiting effective GIS application in this context.
iii. To explore the potential of emerging GIS technologies in addressing current limitations.
iv. To evaluate opportunities for improving GIS integration in highway operations.
v. To offer evidence-based recommendations for optimizing GIS use by UNRA.
1.3.3 Research Questions
i. How is GIS currently applied in highway planning and maintenance by UNRA?
ii. What challenges are associated with its usage?
iii. How can new GIS technologies address these challenges?
iv. What opportunities exist for enhancing GIS integration?
v. What strategies can UNRA adopt to improve GIS-driven planning and maintenance?
1.4 Scope of the Study
1.4.1 Subject Scope
The study focuses on how GIS is applied in highway planning and maintenance by UNRA, including the practices, challenges, and technological trends that influence GIS effectiveness.
1.4.2 Geographical Scope
This research is centered on Kampala, with emphasis on UNRA’s operations related to highway infrastructure, particularly the Kampala Northern Bypass and similar corridors.
1.4.3 Time Scope
The study will be conducted over a five-month period from January to May 2024. Proposal development will occur between January and March, followed by data collection and analysis in May, and dissertation writing and submission in June and July.
1.5 Significance of the Study
This study aims to build awareness and technical understanding of GIS in the transport sector. By reviewing existing GIS applications and emerging innovations, the research will aid in highlighting how real-time data visualization can enhance decision-making in road planning and maintenance. The findings will support UNRA and other stakeholders in developing more cost-effective, timely, and sustainable infrastructure management solutions.
1.6 Justification of the Study
GIS is inherently suited to transportation planning due to its ability to manage spatially distributed data. It supports network analysis, scenario modeling, and socio-economic data integration, making it indispensable for infrastructure planning. A comprehensive GIS platform facilitates coordinated decision-making that reflects environmental, economic, and logistical realities.
1.7 Conceptual Framework
Independent Variable: Integration of GIS
Dependent Variable: Optimization of highway planning and maintenance strategies
Explanation:
GIS supports data integration (e.g., maps, traffic flows, environmental data), enabling route optimization and predictive maintenance. It enhances decision-making through visualization tools, promotes efficient resource allocation, reduces maintenance costs, improves safety, and enables environmental impact assessments. Collectively, these capabilities contribute to the sustainable and effective management of highway infrastructure.
