GIS Tools to Identify Bridges with Bats

Bridges can provide critical habitat for endangered bat species in Ohio (ESI and Lochmueller 2021). Identifying which bridges are used by bats and understanding the environmental factors causing some bridges to be more important than others can help the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) function as effective stewards of both public safety and wildlife. This project aims to rigorously evaluate ODOT Environmental Services' (OES) existing predictive model for bat use of bridges and virtualize the existing tool. This will be accomplished through the completion of three objectives: (1) evaluate ODOT's model prediction of bridge likelihood to be used by bats; (2) improve upon ODOT's model where needed, and (3) virtualize the model. Completing these objectives will improve ODOT's ability to manage our roadways while avoiding impacts on imperiled bat populations. Thus, the proposed work supports ODOT's mission to improve safety while providing a tool in which to synthesize data and technology to make informed management decisions that take care of what Ohio has.

• Record URL:
  https://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/Planning/SPR/Research/reportsandplans/Lists/Final%20Reports%20All/AllItems.aspx?View={7D4D0273-6FC5-48A5-AD17-9CC3A7E83DA0}&FilterField1=State%5fx0020%5fJob%5fx0020%5f%5fx0023%5f&FilterValue1=136693

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $100000
• Contract Numbers:

  38589

  136693

  118513

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Ohio Department of Transportation

  Research Program
  1980 West Broad Street
  Columbus, OH  United States  43223
• Project Managers:

  Spriggs, Jennifer

• Performing Organizations:

  University of Cincinnati

  Civil Engineering Department, P.O. Box 210071, 741 Baldwin Hall
  Cincinnati, OH  United States  45221-0071
• Principal Investigators:

  Johnson, Joseph

• Start Date: 20230124
• Expected Completion Date: 20240124
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridges; Forecasting; Geographic information systems; Wildlife
• Geographic Terms: Ohio
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Environment; Highways; Planning and Forecasting;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01872907
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Ohio Department of Transportation
• Contract Numbers: 38589, 136693, 118513
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Feb 10 2023 10:24AM