Transport for the North: Spatial Data Visualisation Platform 

Improving and expanding access to transport-related data

Transport for the North (TfN) faced a pressing need to develop freely accessible, web-based dashboards to help visualise spatial data. The primary objective was to create a scalable solution that could be rolled out across various datasets, ensuring economies of scale and affordability. The challenge was to replace manual, ad-hoc processes with a centralised, standardised system that could be easily updated and expanded.

TfN awarded the project to SYSTRA, based on our deep understanding of the authority’s requirements and our commitment to delivering value to the taxpayer.

Web developers and data scientists develop versatile visualisation tool

The solution devised by SYSTRA was to develop a full-stack web-based platform capable of visualising model data and analytics from within TfN. This solution was not limited to model data but could be extended to display any spatial data capable of being represented geographically.

Our in-house technical team for the project comprised full-stack web developers, data scientists and database administrators, ensuring we offered a comprehensive skill set to tackle the project while working collaboratively with TfN.

One of our key innovations was to create a readily deployable web dashboard. This template allows new data to be integrated easily via APIs, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with developing new dashboards. This framework reduces the cost of creating a new dashboard by around 80% while delivering high quality and a growing feature set.

Open-source approach offers cost-effective, accessible solution

Rather than developing a proprietary tool, SYSTRA adopted an open-source approach – ensuring the technology could be shared and reused, and providing long-term benefits to TfN and other authorities. The collaborative effort between SYSTRA and TfN was instrumental in shaping the vision for the data visualisation tool and refining the solution. This close collaboration, coupled with our expertise in developing similar tools, ensured the project was a success.

By developing a scalable, cost-effective data platform, SYSTRA not only addressed TfN’s immediate needs but also provided a robust framework with the capacity for future growth and innovation.

Scalable platform provides long-term value for taxpayers

The new data platform gives TfN a scalable framework that drastically reduces the cost of developing new dashboards. The tool enables users to explore and download data at various geographical levels, making it easier for local authorities, public transport operators and the general public to access and use the data.

By consolidating data into a single, centralised system, we have given TfN a “single source of truth”, streamlining data management and reducing the complexity of accessing multiple data sources. The flexible, scalable nature of the solution ensures that TfN can continue to grow and adapt the platform as new data becomes available, enhancing its ability to analyse and respond to changing conditions.

The new data platform has broader societal benefits too, by making data insights more accessible and enabling better decision-making for future transport infrastructure. The inclusion of data on emissions and electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EVCI) supports TfN’s carbon-reduction programme, contributing to sustainability goals.

The project is a testament to the value of open-source solutions and the importance of delivering taxpayer value in public-sector projects.