What key aspect dictates the overall data collection approach for a Pavement Management System?

The key aspect that dictates the overall data collection approach for a Pavement Management System (PMS) is the specific objectives and needs of the agency implementing the system. The data collected should be directly relevant to the decisions the agency needs to make regarding pavement maintenance and rehabilitation. For example, if the agency's primary objective is to minimize life-cycle costs, the data collection approach should focus on collecting data that is relevant to life-cycle cost analysis, such as pavement condition, traffic loading, and treatment costs. If the agency's primary objective is to improve ride quality, the data collection approach should focus on collecting data that is relevant to ride quality, such as roughness measurements. The available budget, resources, and technology also play a significant role. An agency with limited resources may need to adopt a less comprehensive data collection approach than an agency with ample resources. The data collection frequency, the level of detail, and the types of data collected should all be tailored to the specific objectives and needs of the agency. The data collection approach must also align with the agency's pavement performance prediction models and decision-making criteria. Therefore, understanding the specific needs and priorities of the agency is crucial for designing an effective and efficient data collection approach for a PMS.