Test creating Network Dataset from TIGER/LINE Roads shapefile

[RichThomasUniti]

Background

In order to create a multimodal network dataset, we have to be able to edit the streets network dataset to append existing fiber optic cable. The ESRI StreetMap Premium Network Dataset is read-only. It also costs a lot to license, and we don't use much of the data included in it that makes is costly. If we could use the free TIGER/LINE Roads data instead, we would have an editable streets layer from with we could create a network dataset.

Actions

• [x] Download a single county of TIGER/LINE Roads (Tuscaloosa Co) ftp://ftp2.census.gov/geo/tiger/TIGER2017/ROADS/
• [x] Test creating a network dataset with it.
• [x] Download a 2nd county, adjacent to Tuscaloosa Co, and merge the 2 counties' Roads shapefiles together [JJ had a nationwide roads, so this wasn't necessary]
• [x] Test creating a network dataset with both counties, confirming road connectivity between them. [JJ had a nationwide roads, so this wasn't necessary]
• [x] Develop an automated way to download all the counties in Uniti Fiber's states and merge them. [JJ had a nationwide roads, so this wasn't necessary]
• [ ] Add column "Hierarchy" to roads, and translate MTFCC to integers
• [ ] Add column Status ="New"
• [x] Exclude interstates
• [ ] Create a full nationwide dataset
• [ ] Copy the nationwide dataset to Uniti Fiber's server for DPT
• [ ] Use nationwide dataset as input to multimodal network dataset, along with Uniti Fiber' existing fiber @joelherr

[RichThomasUniti]

JJ, I did get the TigerBasemap.gdb downloaded from the FTP (after many attempts). It took a long time even with the dozen or so states that are in it. I'm trying it out now.