Uses of Mobile Information Technology Devices in the Field for Design, Construction, and Asset Management

This report documents the state-of-the-practice and state-of-the-art applications of state transportation agencies related to their use of mobile information technology (IT) devices in the field for the areas of design, construction, and asset management. Mobile IT devices such as laptop computers, mini-laptop computers, handheld multifunctional data collectors, tablets, and smartphones play a critical role in bringing the transportation industry into digital platforms. The synthesis was developed through a literature review and surveys to gather information from end users and IT professionals at state transportation agencies. The findings highlight processes for identifying, selecting, and evaluating mobile IT uses; potential field uses; procedures for application development, integration, and optimization; potential benefits; challenges and issues; strategies for successful implementation; strategies for managing the data collected; and advances and emerging technologies.