USE OF A QUASI-COORDINATE LINK-NODE SYSTEM FOR LOCATING ACCIDENTS

The U.S. Public Land Survey method for land subdivision was used as the basis for development of a quasi-coordinate accident location system. The accident location and analysis system developed in Iowa is a link-node system that has been adapted to this quasi-coordinate method for recording accident location. This system is used to accurately identify accident locations for input to the computer system. This paper discusses the development of the system and the methodology for applying it to the complete network of urban and rural roadways in Iowa; sample maps developed for use by accident coders are included. The system is highly user oriented to provide a wide range of summaries and analyses for highway and traffic engineers and law enforcement agencies.