The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is demonstrating how combining EDC innovations accelerates success.  The WSDOT Visual Engineering Resource Group (VERG) combines Virtual Public Involvement (VPI) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to enhance the transportation decision making process.

VERG provides clear and effective communication of project development, design, and delivery issues through visual media made with a wide range of 3D modeling, animation, video, and other graphic software packages. From planning and communication to design and construction, VERG products are vital to project success.

VERG uses aerial video in many of their products, and WSDOT credits UAS with reducing lead-time and cost. Purchasing a UAS system can be a similar price as a few hours of helicopter rental, and the UAS provides years of service.  VERG uses the UAS to recreate cinematic shots and effects in their visual storytelling of a project.

To support public involvement for one of the most complex projects in WSDOT’s history, VERG used drones to capture footage of key stages of the Alaskan Way Viaduct’s construction process to provide public updates through web links, public meetings, and social media, including their YouTube channel.

In the City of Bingen, WA, VPI and UAS came together in another project, where a roundabout was being proposed. VERG combined aerial video with 3D modeling to create a combined view, visualizing what the project would look like once complete. This visualization was able to clearly explain the project to stakeholders including local government officials and businesses, which helped generate support for the project while avoiding potential delays.

To find out how VPI can help your agency expand its outreach, contact Scott Allen, FHWA Office of Planning, or Carolyn Nelson, FHWA Office of Project Development and Environmental Review. For more information on UAS, contact James Gray, FHWA Office of Infrastructure.

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