A key objective of all pavement-management systems (PMS) is to provide a factual basis for improving the quality of decision making regarding the budgeting, design, programming, construction, maintenance and operation of a pavement network. Quality decision making requires a current inventory of the pavement system, evaluation of the present condition and use of the pavement system, estimation of future condition, and the implications of any changes in condition.

This guide may be used to identify data needs for pavement management by considering the use, generic type, and relative importance of the pavement. It can also assist in identifying methods for obtaining the data.

Any data element selected for collection should have a specific use and be of value in providing information from the PMS for the decision making process.

The specific type of data needed to make informed pavement management decisions will vary with such factors as the size, complexity and condition of the pavement network, the levels of service to be provided, the agency budget and budgeting process. Further, since pavement management is a dynamic process, responsive to changes in technology, the data needs for a particular agency may be expected to change over time. Accordingly, judgment invariably will be required in applying this guide to develop a hierarchy of data needs.