For the past 20 years, the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Statewide Planning Map has served as a key resource for planners, engineers, and partners across Texas. The digital tool, which was first launched in 2005, is marking its anniversary with new features aimed at both transportation professionals and the general public.
Michael Chamberlain, TxDOT’s director of data management, created the initial version of the planning map after recognizing the potential impact of web-based mapping. At that time, modern mapping frameworks were not available. “The first version was brutally simple,” Chamberlain said. “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.”
Originally designed with basic basemaps for highways, railroads, traffic data and imagery, the platform quickly became a central workspace for staff and planning partners. According to Chamberlain, “Over the years it evolved into more than a simple map viewer. We added overlays, dynamic data, more basemaps, and the ability to share everything you create using URLs.”
Today’s Statewide Planning Map is an analytical tool used by TxDOT engineers to plan, design, build and maintain Texas’ highway system. The platform now also includes user-friendly features such as locations for stargazing spots, wildflowers viewing areas, live traffic updates, current and future project sites—and recently introduced themed overlays.
To celebrate its 20th anniversary through 2026, TxDOT is introducing new overlays and themed basemaps. Among recent additions are a “BBQ layer” that highlights Texas Monthly’s Top 50 barbecue joints and a Thanksgiving-themed basemap.
Chamberlain expressed appreciation for those who have contributed to the map over two decades: “I am proud of what it has become, and I want to thank everyone who contributed to its success over the years,” he said. “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.”
In related developments across U.S. transportation agencies:
– The U.S. Department of Transportation announced nearly $19.6 million in grants awarded to small shipyards in 19 states as part of efforts to modernize facilities and expand employment opportunities through its Small Shipyard Grant Program: 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 named winners in its Inclusive Design Challenge—a competition aimed at improving mobility options for people with disabilities—awarding $1 million to Purdue University among other prizes: https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/anniversary-ada-usdot-announces-winners-its-first-ever-inclusive-design-challenge
– New guidance along with $7.3 billion in formula funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was announced by USDOT’s Federal Highway Administration 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 where supply chain partners share data securely with USDOT to improve goods movement efficiency: https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/dot-supply-chain-companies-collaborate-speed-movement-goods-cut-costs-consumers
