Computerized Road network modeling using open street map sources in GIS: Basrah province as a case study

Information sources have developed considerably in recent years; many electronic platforms are able to provide valuable information regards engineering topics. One of the most important data sources is the open street map (OSM) platform, providing editable geographic information for most of the world, with different levels of accuracy and at different points in time. Road network mapping requires a high level of effort and accuracy, due to the complexity of the modelling and the amount of information that needs to be included in the feature class. OSM can support road network modelling by providing a different kind of data. In this paper, a systematic procedure was investigated for the production of an automated road network for Basrah city, as a case study for the use of OSM in Geographic Information System (GIS) 10.8 software. Specific spatial analysis tools such as road density and network analysis were also implemented. This study validated a computerised procedure to extract OSM data via two methods of validation and demonstrated the immediate applicability of this data for density and network analysis. The research results show a significant reduction in time and effort required to produce an accurate Basrah city road network using OSM data sources. Density analysis and network analysis show the importance and validity of the produced road network.