PNG Road Viewer Application Technology launched

Major stakeholders in the nation’s road investment today attended the launch of a technological first for Papua New Guinea. The Department of Works welcomed PNG transport agencies and development partners to a demonstration and hands-on training session with the country’s first ever ‘Road Viewer Application’.

The new system allows users to simply click on an interactive map of the country to watch a detailed video of the condition of that section of the road. The software and data are all contained in a simple external hard drive presented to each participant.

The Road Viewer Application was produced after over 6,000 kilometres of the PNG road network were surveyed. The survey vehicle took video footage and a range of engineering data as it travelled along the road network.

The new technology will support policy makers to make evidence-based decisions on how and where to invest in vital infrastructure improvements.

The project was completed with funding of over three million kina from the Australian Government. Works Secretary David Wereh was enthused about the improvements that the survey and application will bring for his Department and other investors in Papua New Guinea’s road network.

“This simple technology is an exciting innovation for Papua New Guinea. It allows the Department to justify sound, evidence-based investment decisions that will offer good value for money. The system offers all stakeholders the ability to make a preliminary site inspection without leaving the office.”

Minister Counsellor at the Australian High Commission, James Hall, praised the new system. “The survey data and Road Viewer Application will offer great benefits for planning investment in PNG’s road infrastructure. Decisions on where roads are in greatest need of funding can now be made more easily using up-to-date visuals of the road condition.

The VRCS can be a catalyst in ensuring investment decisions are based on improved visual and, increasingly, technical evidence. This will help PNG chart a more efficient and effective course to improve the overall road network condition.”

The information also has significant implications for road safety. The survey has been used to develop a database of the engineering features and condition of the road network as well as develop a series of cost-effective investment options to improve road safety standards.

The project was delivered through the Papua New Guinea – Australia Transport Sector Support Program as part of the Australian Government’s long-term commitment to transport infrastructure in PNG.