Strategic and Short-Term Highway Planning in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's ambitious infrastructure vision, outlined through programs like Vision 2030, hinges heavily on its ability to implement both strategic and short-term highway planning. As the Kingdom rapidly expands its road networks, particularly around key economic and industrial zones such as Jubail and Yanbu, the integration of surveying standards and mapping systems plays a vital role in highway planning and execution.

This blog delves into how strategic and short-term planning of highways in Saudi Arabia is structured, based on guidelines from the Saudi Highway Code (SHC 202), with a focus on the surveying and mapping processes required during the various phases of highway development.

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Understanding Strategic vs. Short-Term Planning

Strategic Planning

Strategic highway planning encompasses long-term goals aimed at aligning with national development strategies. In Saudi Arabia, this involves identifying corridors that will:

• Boost economic activity
• Connect major urban centers
• Support industrial zones
• Facilitate international and regional trade

Such planning is supported by national geodetic frameworks and integrated geospatial databases to ensure consistency across projects.

Short-Term Planning

Short-term planning refers to near-future development initiatives such as:

• Road expansions
• Interchange redesigns
• Pavement maintenance
• Temporary bypass constructions

These are based on urgent traffic needs, localized development pressures, or policy shifts.

Surveying as the Backbone of Highway Planning

Accurate and consistent surveying is essential for both strategic and short-term planning. SHC 202 outlines the methodologies, equipment, and geodetic systems approved for use in Saudi Arabia's highway projects.

Key Surveying Concepts from SHC 202

1. Terrestrial Surveying – Utilized for determining precise locations of road features.
2. Geodetic Control Networks – Based on the Saudi Arabia National Spatial Reference System (SANSRS), ensures uniformity in coordinates.
3. GNSS and CORS Networks – Saudi Arabia’s KSA-CORS provides real-time kinematic (RTK) services with centimeter-level accuracy.
4. Topographic Surveys – Critical during feasibility, preliminary, and detailed design phases.

Highway Project Lifecycle Phases

According to SHC 202, planning integrates multiple phases, each supported by specific surveying methods:

1. Feasibility Studies
   • Identification of corridors
   • Use of satellite imagery, aerial photos, and preliminary topographic surveys
2. Preliminary Design
   • Ground control established using TPS (Total Point Stations)
   • Integration with national GIS data and terrain models
3. Detailed Design and Construction
   • High-resolution mapping
   • Construction surveys and site calibrations
   • Use of Automatic Machine Guidance (AMG) for precise implementation
4. Maintenance and Operation
   • BIM (Building Information Modeling) and digital twins
   • Regular surveys to assess deformation and road wear

Accuracy and Error Management

SHC 202 emphasizes managing error margins in all surveying activities:

• Horizontal accuracy standards must meet or exceed RMSExy of 0.25 mm on map scale
• Vertical accuracy must align with specified contour intervals

Systematic, random, and blunder errors are addressed through rigorous calibration, validation, and multiple observation practices.

Data Delivery and GIS Integration

Efficient highway planning also depends on timely data exchange:

• GIS-compatible formats: raster, vector, and CAD
• Metadata standards for survey reports and map layers

All submitted data must align with SHC 202 protocols and the SANSRS framework.

Strategic Importance of Unified Mapping

SANSRS, implemented under GASGI's authority, ensures that all planning and mapping work uses consistent geodetic references. This:

• Reduces redundancy in planning
• Increases interoperability among agencies
• Improves infrastructure reliability

Conclusion

Strategic and short-term highway planning in Saudi Arabia depends on precise surveying, robust national reference systems, and seamless data integration. SHC 202 provides a comprehensive blueprint for integrating these technical aspects with policy and development needs. As the Kingdom pursues expansive infrastructure growth, aligning highway planning with technical standards ensures long-lasting, resilient, and efficient transport networks.

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