One of the most popular, free transportation datasets available in the public domain is the North American Transportation Atlas (NORTAD) from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. These data span Canada, the United States, and Mexico with the following data themes: aiports, highways, railroads, water ports, border corossings, and more. Once pulled from the shelves several years ago for security reasons, these data are now available via simple download (1:100,000 base scale).
Additional data are available down the road and a listing of coming datasets can be found here. Keep an eye open for surface freight data, airline passenger information, and much more. Supporting the data, users have access to a translation tool HERE and additional routines HERE. To understand the data formats, see this dictionary.
About the BTS
On February 20, 2005, BTS became a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA). RITA is composed of BTS, the former Research Office of the Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (formerly with RSPA), Transportation Safety Institute (formerly with RSPA), and Office of Intermodalism (formerly with the Office of the Secretary). BTS is headed by a Director, appointed by the Secretary of Transportation, and the director reports to the RITA Administrator.
One of the most popular, free transportation datasets available in the public domain is the North American Transportation Atlas (NORTAD) from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. These data span Canada, the United States, and Mexico with the following data themes: aiports, highways, railroads, water ports, border corossings, and more. Once pulled from the shelves several years ago for security reasons, these data are now available via simple download (1:100,000 base scale).
