DREAM-Ph: Enhancing Road Safety through Advanced Technologies and Analytics

Nowadays, the advent rise of technology is unstoppable, and the need to integrate this into safety should be the top priority. Focusing on Disaster Risk Reduction, a team from the University of Mindanao, led by Engr. John A. Bacus is spearheading a DOST-funded project aimed at revolutionizing road maintenance. This collaborative effort with the Department of Public Works and Highways District Engineering Office (DPWH DCDEO) focuses on utilizing advanced geospatial technology to address the problem of road potholes in Davao City.

Officially titled “DREAM-Ph (DPWH Road Evaluation and Mapping of Potholes): Geospatial, Prescriptive, and Diagnostic Analytics for Road Pothole Detection and Classification,” the project leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance road safety and infrastructure management. The project is being implemented in partnership with DPWH DCDEO.

The Challenge of Road Potholes

Potholes are a significant issue in urban environments, causing vehicular damage, traffic congestion, and road accidents. Despite ongoing maintenance efforts, the volume of potholes and the resources required to address them present continuous challenges. Traditional methods of pothole detection and repair are often reactive, resulting in delays and increased costs.

The DREAM-Ph Project: Leveraging Geospatial Analytics for Road Maintenance

The DREAM-Ph project adopts a proactive approach by integrating geospatial analytics and diagnostic and prescriptive tools to detect, classify, and map potholes. Utilizing Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) algorithms and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the project aims to create a comprehensive system for efficient road management.

The Role of Advanced Technologies

The project utilizes advanced technologies to enhance the capabilities of road maintenance teams:

Geospatial Analytics: By mapping potholes and analyzing their distribution, the project provides valuable insights into the most affected areas, helping prioritize repair efforts.

Diagnostic and Prescriptive Analytics: Using CNN algorithms, the system can classify potholes based on severity, enabling targeted and timely interventions.

Benefits and Potential Applications

Economic Impact:With aging highway and secondary road systems handling increasing amounts of traffic, road conditions are affected. The quality of a region’s transportation system is vital to economic growth and is always relative to cost. Cost for the road users and road managers. Road users are economically impacted by the bad road conditions as vehicles will be damaged more often and thus need more repair. Labor and gas costs increase when traffic moves slowly – due simply to bad conditions or lane closures during extended resurfacing projects – causing commuters to endure more time per trip. In one transportation study conducted in the Philippines, traffic cost the country 137.5 billion pesos, which is equivalent to 1.4% of the total Philippine economy.

Socio-economic Impact: The project enables creation of a system that will have a coordination between the users (Davao City citizens) and the government agency specifically the DPWH DCDEO. This project will help to monitor the number of potholes in the area of their jurisdiction and thus can quickly assess the severity and perform appropriate action or repair. As potholes are considered a hazard, the development of this system will be beneficial in promptly addressing possible danger to commuters.

Technological Advancements: The use of advanced analytics and machine learning in road maintenance sets a new standard for infrastructure management, paving the way for future innovations in urban planning and public safety.

Future Directions

The DREAM-Ph project has far-reaching implications beyond road maintenance. It serves as a model for integrating advanced technology into urban infrastructure management, demonstrating the potential of proactive and data-driven approaches. By enhancing the DPWH DCDEO's ability to monitor and manage road conditions, the project not only improves public safety but also aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The implementation of the DREAM-Ph project supports the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Promoting sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation in infrastructure management.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable through improved road safety and maintenance.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: Reducing road accidents and improving overall public health by maintaining safer roads.

The DREAM-Ph Team, led by Engr. John A. Bacus includes:
Project Staffs: Engr. Lester Tubo, Engr. Stephen Paul Alagao, Engr. Kimberly Nepa-Muaña, Engr. Danielyn Plazos