GCP – Oklahoma DOT gains valuable information on the health of bridge inventory with data-driven insights on Google Cloud

Managing Oklahoma’s extensive network of thousands of bridges is a critical responsibility for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT). This immense undertaking demands not only diligent engineering and maintenance, but also the ability to effectively manage and analyze vast and complex data sets, including inspection reports, material histories and real-time environmental factors. ODOT recognized the need to modernize its approach and transform this data into actionable intelligence for enhanced safety and operational efficiency.

While their vision was clear, ODOT had to first address some key challenges including centralizing disparate data sources into a single, reliable data source, providing both technical and non-technical staff with easy access to complex information, and adopting a more predictive and proactive stance on bridge maintenance. To achieve this, ODOT partnered with Google Cloud to leverage its inherently secure infrastructure and innovative platform, and jointly with Google Cloud partner North Highland, developed a data-driven solution for bridge management on Google Cloud.

Establishing ODOT’s foundation for data-driven decisions

ODOT’s transformation required first completing a comprehensive assessment of its existing data practices. This foundational work identified opportunities to streamline processes and build a more robust data governance framework, paving the way for advanced analytics and AI. Key components that enabled ODOT’s transformation include:

• Dataplex for unified data governance: To manage ODOT’s varied datasets effectively, Google Cloud’s Dataplex Universal Catalog was used to create a unified data catalog and business glossary. This ensured consistent definitions and understanding of data across the organization, providing a reliable foundation for all bridge-related information and enabling robust data governance.
• BigQuery as a centralized data warehouse: Decades of vital bridge information, including historical inspection data and detailed location-based information, were consolidated into BigQuery. As Google Cloud’s highly scalable and cost-effective data warehouse, it created a secure and reliable repository essential for comprehensive analysis.
• Analytics Hub for secure data sharing: Recognizing the importance of collaboration, Analytics Hub was implemented to facilitate controlled data sharing between different ODOT departments and potentially with external stakeholders, ensuring the right information reaches the right people through a secure platform.

Applying AI and analytics to Oklahoma’s bridge maintenance

By centralizing their data within a secure environment with robust governance, ODOT will be able to further leverage Google Cloud’s AI and data analytics tools to unlock new levels of understanding. These tools provided immediate benefits – for example, empowering ODOT personnel to interact with complex bridge data using natural language through Gemini in Looker. Agency staff can now ask questions in everyday terms such as, “Which bridges in Woods County exhibit the highest wear indicators?” or “Show me maintenance histories for all bridges constructed before 1985 on primary freight routes?” or “What are the projected repair needs for bridges over waterways in the next fiscal year?” Gemini interprets these queries and delivers immediate, easy-to-understand visualizations and reports. This capability democratizes data access and enables faster, more informed decisions by a wider range of users, from engineers to planners.

Complementing this, for predictive maintenance insights, ODOT utilizes machine learning models built with BigQuery ML. By analyzing historical trends, material performance, and other factors, these models help identify bridges that may require proactive attention. This allows the department to anticipate potential issues before they escalate and optimize maintenance schedules.

Transforming bridge management for greater safety and efficiency

The implementation of this modern data platform on Google Cloud is delivering significant advantages for ODOT:

• Enhanced bridge safety: Proactive identification of at-risk bridges through predictive analytics and easily accessible data allows for timely interventions, directly contributing to the safety of Oklahoma’s citizens.
• Optimized resource allocation: Data-driven insights into maintenance needs help ODOT deploy personnel and resources more effectively, reducing waste and focusing efforts where they are most needed.
• Improved operational efficiency: Streamlined access to critical information and the ability to quickly analyze complex datasets empowers ODOT teams to make faster, more confident decisions, improving overall operational agility.
• Fostering a data-driven culture: By making data more accessible and usable within a trusted framework, ODOT is empowering its workforce and fostering a culture where data informs strategy and day-to-day operations.

A future-ready foundation for transportation agencies

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s initiative with Google Cloud and North Highland showcases a powerful model for how transportation agencies can leverage data and AI to meet the challenges of modern infrastructure management, built upon a reliable and secure foundation powered by Google Cloud. By building a comprehensive solution—from robust data governance in Dataplex and scalable warehousing in BigQuery to intuitive conversational analytics powered by Gemini in Looker—ODOT has not only enhanced its operational capabilities but is now better equipped to ensure the long-term safety and reliability of its vital bridge network.

This commitment to data-driven practices, built on an innovative and trustworthy platform, positions ODOT as a forward-thinking leader, offering a valuable blueprint for other public sector organizations looking to transform their own operations.

Continue your agency’s innovation journey

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