For the past 20 years, the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Statewide Planning Map has been a resource for planners, engineers, and the public. Originally created in 2005 by Michael Chamberlain, TxDOT’s director of data management, the map was built before modern mapping frameworks were available.
Chamberlain explained how he developed the first version: “The first version was brutally simple. None of the mapping frameworks available today existed back then so I wrote my own—after reading and re-reading a dozen books on the topic.”
Early versions of the map included basic features such as basemaps for highways, railroads, traffic data, and imagery. Over time, it expanded to include overlays, dynamic data, additional basemaps, and tools for sharing information via URLs.
“Over the years it evolved into more than a simple map viewer,” Chamberlain said. “We added overlays, dynamic data, more basemaps, and the ability to share everything you create using URLs.”
Today, TxDOT engineers use the Statewide Planning Map as an analytical tool for planning and maintaining Texas’s highway system. The map also offers features accessible to all users including locations for stargazing, wildflower viewing areas, live traffic updates, and details about current and future projects.
To mark its 20th anniversary, TxDOT is introducing new overlays and themed basemaps through 2026. Recent updates include a “BBQ layer” that highlights Texas Monthly’s Top 50 barbecue restaurants as well as a Thanksgiving theme.
Chamberlain noted ongoing efforts to expand these offerings: “I am proud of what it has become, and I want to thank everyone who contributed to its success over the years. As part of our celebration for ‘20 Years of Planning Map,’ we are creating unique overlays, basemaps and content through the end of the year and 2026.”
Elsewhere in transportation developments nationwide:
– The U.S. Department of Transportation recently announced nearly $19.6 million in grants to support small shipyards across 19 states through its Small Shipyard Grant Program. These funds will help modernize facilities and expand local job opportunities while boosting global competitiveness (https://www.maritime.dot.gov/newsroom/maritime-administration-awards-nearly-20-million-funding-strengthen-us-shipyard-economic).
– In recognition of the Americans with Disabilities Act’s anniversary, USDOT awarded $5 million in prizes through its Inclusive Design Challenge to promote mobility options for people with disabilities using automated vehicles (https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/anniversary-ada-usdot-announces-winners-its-first-ever-inclusive-design-challenge).
– New guidance from USDOT’s Federal Highway Administration provides $7.3 billion in formula funding under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help states prepare for extreme weather events (https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/biden-administration-announces-new-protect-formula-program-73-billion-bipartisan).
– Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced progress on FLOW (Freight Logistics Optimization Works), an initiative aimed at improving supply chain efficiency by encouraging data sharing among industry partners (https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/dot-supply-chain-companies-collaborate-speed-movement-goods-cut-costs-consumers).
