Fact Sheet F1 – Considerations for Field Evaluation of Roadside Ditches
Configure Mobile Data Collection
Data Collection Methods
This fact sheet will support inspection and maintenance staff in conducting a field evaluation
of roadside ditches to efficiently document ditch status and maintenance needs. The workflow
for completing a ditch field evaluation is shown below:
Electronic data collection is
recommended for efficiently capturing
detailed data. Electronic devices
streamline the data collection process by:
Desktop Evaluation
(See Fact Sheet A1 –
Ditch Mapping
Recommendations)
Configure Mobile
Data Collection
Prepare Field
Equipment
Assess Ditch
Condition
Minimizing post-processing or typing data
into spreadsheets after a long field day.
Allowing field crews to attach photos directly to
the database, therefore avoiding the need to sort and
re-label.
Using checkboxes and drop-downs to standardize
data entries by multiple people and prevent
misspellings and other data entry errors.
Data collection: Handheld GPS and mobile
device units
Data Collection Methods
Considerations for
Field Evaluation of
Roadside Ditches
Fact Sheet F1
February 7, 2019
Fact Sheet F1 – Considerations for Field Evaluation of Roadside Ditches
Ideally, a large-screen tablet is recommended for readability and quick data
entry; however, smaller devices such as mobile phones can also be used to
collect electronic data and store field photos. Mobile devices can be paired
with various brands of global positioning system (GPS) satellite receivers to
improve location accuracy, if desired.
Configure Mobile Data Collection
Getting Started with a Mobile App
Electronic data collection may sound complicated, but if your municipality is
already using geographic information system (GIS) software to map ditches,
set-up and rollout of electronic data collection can be relatively easy.
Talk to your local GIS staff
to see what options are
available for bringing ditch
data online. Field crews will
need access to an online
account.
Enable database
photo attachments.
Find a mobile device suitable for field work.
Download ESRI’s free mobile data
collection applications
(e.g., Collector, Survey123).
Consider offline data collection for
remote areas without cell service.
Other specialized survey or questionnaire-focused
mobile applications and other asset management
software is available with varying cost-structures and
functionalities.
Field Tip: Include a notes field
in your field form or data collection
matrix to capture unique circumstances
that field crews may encounter.
Data collection by using both a hand-drawn field map and a handheld GPS
device in areas with limited cell service.
Data Collection Methods
Fact Sheet F1 – Considerations for Field Evaluation of Roadside Ditches
Many ditches do not
have safe nearby parking
or wide shoulders. High-
visibility safety vests/
jackets and traffic cones
are critical. Gloves are
also recommended for
potentially hazardous
or unsanitary materials,
noxious vegetation,
etc. Hard hats may be
required when working
near roads. Defer to local
jurisdiction for safety
requirements.
Be prepared for
dangerous conditions
in erosion/slope hazard
areas. The roadside ditch
may be wedged between
a busy road with a high-
speed limit and a steep
slope, leaving field crews
without much distance
between fast moving
traffic. These ditches are
not recommended for field
evaluation without proper
traffic control in place.
When Himalayan
blackberries or other
aggressive vegetation
is encountered, field
crews cannot make an
accurate assessments
and have limited space
to conduct evaluations.
If encountered, it is
recommended to
schedule these ditches
for brush cutting prior
to completing field
evaluations.
Wearing Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)*
Safety Concern:
Narrow road shoulders
Safety Concern:
Steep slopes on high traffic roads
with overgrown vegetation
For quick and safe field evaluation of roadside ditches, field crews should note the following:
Safety First
Prepare Field Equipment
*Defer to local jurisdiction PPE requirements
Fact Sheet F1 – Considerations for Field Evaluation of Roadside Ditches
If ditches are missing basic characterization
data (e.g., length, width, etc.), the following
equipment is also recommended:
Field Tip: In some cases, safety concerns may make
it difficult to collect characterization measurements.
Because these measurements are only informative
and not critical to prioritizing and implementing a
maintenance program, it is recommended to skip
these measurements in unsafe areas.
Prepare Field Equipment
Equipment and Materials Recommendations
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (e.g., high-
visibility vest/jacket, hardhat, gloves)
Traffic cones and other traffic control equipment
Large-screen tablet equipped with a glare-resistant
screen protector and a protective (waterproof, drop-
proof) field case
The roadside ditch field evaluation is primarily based on visual observations and does not
require any high-tech equipment. Recommended equipment and materials include:
Measuring tape (short)
Eastern Washington Field Guide
Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board
www.nwcb.wa.gov
N o x i o u s W e e d s
That Harm Washington State
Backup paper forms and pencils/pens
Noxious Weeds that Harm Washington State, Western Washington Field Guide. You
can request free hard copies of this pocket guide from the Washington State Noxious
Weed Control Board (www.nwcb.wa.gov)
WA Invasives mobile app
(https://invasivespecies.wa.gov)
Measuring tape (long)
Slope measurement device
(e.g., electronic, surveying rod)
Field Tip: Always bring a
portable backup battery and/
or a car charger when using a
tablet or mobile phone for data
collection. The battery may
drain quickly!
Planning ahead and bringing proper equipment can promote
safety and efficiency in remote or high-risk locations
Fact Sheet F1 – Considerations for Field Evaluation of Roadside Ditches
A streamlined inspection for maintenance
needs is also recommended as part of the field
evaluation. Due to the variety of ditch shapes,
surface types, and other unique conditions that
might be encountered at a ditch, it is recommended to focus on broad categories related to
critical ditch function (e.g., conveyance, water quality, etc.) and road safety. If needed, specific
details can be recorded in an open notes field within the database. Categories that should be
assessed include:
Can the ditch convey flow freely?
Have blocked culverts or failed
structural components caused
localized flooding of nearby
property or roadways?
Is there evidence of the ditch
conveying natural flows?
Field Tip: Always take photos in the field.
Geolocated photos can be attached to the ditch
database and used to confirm ditch condition or
to communicate specific maintenance needs.
Is there evidence of erosion,
channelization, or scouring?
Are there nuisance animals
(e.g., moles, beavers)
present that may put ditch
flow capacity or structural
integrity at risk?
Are ditch side slopes intact
and stabilized?
Is there evidence of a
potential illicit connection or
illegal dumping?
Does the ditch need to be
mowed?
Are there line-of-sight issues
associated with overgrown
ditch vegetation?
Is vegetation sparse or
absent?
Is lack of vegetation causing
erosion?
Are invasive or noxious
species present?
Capacity and Conveyance
Vegetation
Integrity
Structural Components
Are structural components
broken or damaged?
Are structural components
causing flow blockages?
See Fact Sheet A2 – Prioritizing Ditches for Inspection and Maintenance for guidance on
how to incorporate field data into a scoring matrix that can be used for ditch maintenance
prioritization.
This fact sheet was developed by Herrera Environmental Consultants with input from King County and the Regional Operations and Maintenance
Program (ROADMAP). Project funding was provided by a National Estuary Program grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology.
Assess Ditch Condition