During the “DOTs and the Changing Relationships with Apps and Big Data Analytics” forum, in explaining a state DOT’s work with big data, Elizabeth Birriel, Florida DOT (FDOT) Deputy State Traffic Engineer ITS Manager introduced to the audience the agency’s partnership with Waze, the world’s largest community-based traffic and navigation app. Birriel said the main focus of the partnership is the value of the information being shared. Birriel said the partnership with Waze is about reaching out and getting information to about areas (particularly rural) where previously none existed to a larger state audience.

The collaboration is also focused on two-way information sharing; where Waze delivers traffic information to the Florida DOT and in return the agency also shares its data with Waze. The app, which is able to filer data by each country in the state, is used among all 12 of the Florida transportation management centers within its District Sunguide Software systems. Birriel said the search that led to the use of Waze was about finding free ways to share traffic information so that operations costs could be lessened or waived altogether.

Waze has indeed proven cost-effective for FDOT which is currently struggling with funding issues, as the app is free of charge; at least in its initial offering. However, once delving deeper into the conditions around the use of the app, it is clear that while the costs may not be extreme, there are still costs involved in the utilization of the service. One of the key issues with the service was to make sure it is given proper attribution for information given. FDOT is properly attributed as well when the agency gives information to Waze. In terms of archiving, FDOT archives data which it deems important, as Waze does not archive. Birriel says FDOT has a partnership with RITTS located within the University of Maryland, which stores the vital components of the data.

Birriel says the public has responded positively to the agency’s use of the app, which while not 100% accurate, does offer an awareness of traffic conditions not previously available.