Validating a GIS-based multi-criteria method for potential road identification

This paper investigated the validation of a multi-criteria method for identifying potential roads, and demonstrated the capability of analyzing GPS vehicle tracking data for identifying vehicle movement patterns and potential roads. The multi-criteria method was evaluated by comparing the predictions to the site visit results on 34 selected road segments meeting different criteria levels. Results show that locations meeting higher criteria levels have higher possibilities to be roads: an approximately 91% possibility of road existence for the locations meeting all five criteria; 55% for the locations meeting four criteria; and 14% for those meeting criteria level two or three. This approach provides an opportunity for land managers to update existing GIS roads map, or identify newly formed roads that may need either rehabilitation or inclusion into the roads maintenance program.