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DataPoint: Top Ten Frequently Asked Questions

Steven Hollenkamp
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July 24, 2023

Q. Can I upload data into DataPoint that came from another count provider?

A. Yes. DataPoint is vendor agnostic. All your historic data and future data can be easily uploaded into DataPoint by us or by you.

Q. Can I share data with other agencies?

A. Yes, DataPoint was designed to be easy to share with any agencies that you choose.

Q. Can DataPoint be open to the public?

A. Yes, DataPoint is not a piece of software that each computer must download. DataPoint is hosted in the cloud, allowing agencies to simply add a link to your website. You can choose whatever level of access to your data that you think is appropriate.

Q. Can external data layers be added to DataPoint?

A. Yes, any external GIS data layer that you have access to can be added as a data layer in DataPoint. If there is a live portal to the data layers, then once added to DataPoint, the data layers upload automatically.

Q. How does the data get into DataPoint?

A. For all data collected by Quality Counts, the data is automatically added to DataPoint. For all other data files, there are two ways it can be uploaded into DataPoint. First, we can upload the data for you at a reasonable hourly fee. Second, you can upload the files yourself. Files can be uploaded in batches of 100 at a time.

Q. What file types can be uploaded into DataPoint?

A. DataPoint aims to be the best-in-class solution for managing short-duration volume, speed, vehicle classification and turning movement data.  Support exists or can rapidly be added for any source file containing these types of data.  Count data is organized into stations allowing year-on-year analysis with summary metrics and visualizations.  Data can quickly and easily be exported for use in other workflows.
Additionally, DataPoint can overlay any existing GIS layers relevant to agency planners.  This can include collisions, traffic control devices, transit routes, bike lanes or any other spatial data.  Data in these layers can be spatially selected and exported alongside traffic count data, providing a one-stop destination for agency workflows without having to reference multiple systems for data at the same location.

Q. What does DataPoint cost?

A. The cost of DataPoint is based upon the number of stations you have uploaded. For example, prices can range from being free for up to 30 stations to $799 per month for 1,000 stations. We also offer managed services at an hourly rate. Please email sales@data-point.io for a detailed cost estimate of your needs.

Q. What is included in ‘Managed Services’?

A. We have directly managed traffic databases for Oregon DOT, Charlotte DOT, Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization, Durham/Chapel Hill/Carrboro MPO, Indiana DOT, and Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, amongst others. We offer managed services at an hourly rate which can be pre-paid or ‘pay-as-you-go’. Let us know what your needs are and we can likely make it happen. Below is a list of frequently requested Managed Services.
• Data processing, including tube and radar unit processing
• File reformatting
• Uploading files to DataPoint
• Quality controlling data and generating data flagging reports
• Reprocessing data
• Video reduction services
• Creating custom reports (e.g. ETS reports) using DataPoint data
• User management administration
• Miscellaneous GIS services including importing and styling external layers

Q. Can I store other types of data into DataPoint?

A. For DataPoint to understand and analyze TMCs, volume, speed and class data files, the files must meet certain conditions. For all other types of files, DataPoint may not be able to understand and analyze, but DataPoint can still serve as a GIS based storage platform. Any file type can be uploaded to a DataPoint station and there is no file size limit.

Q. Can agencies share one DataPoint account?

A. This depends on the context. If an MPO would like to include the municipalities within its boundaries, then yes. If several MPOs would like to join under one account, we would likely ask each MPO to create their own account.

WRITTEN BY
Steven Hollenkamp
Steven Hollenkamp is a world traveler, ex-Wall Street banker & DataPoint's Business Development Leader. Drawing from a BA undergraduate degree in finance and dual Masters of Public Policy and Administration from Columbia University, his work has led him to consulting governments and civil society groups to optimize their budgeting action strategies. Steven is a member of the Advisory Committee for the Hillsborough County MPO, a founding member of the creative arts non-profit MAKE Plant City, FL.