The Observatory of Road Networks in Western Greece and Peloponnese (POADEP) based in Patras as non profit company. POADEP was established in 2009 by university professors and researchers who had been occupied with researches and studies on the socioeconomic effects of the big transportation constructions in the regional economy.

The Observatory has the appropriate scientific staff, expertise and special technical methods for the continuous observation of these effects in the Western Country (Regions of Peloponnese, Western Greece and Epirus) and in the wider area as well. The methodology and the technical infrastructure that it has in the field of geographic information systems (GIS) is also of great significance.

The  Geographic Information System (GIS) based on a geodatabase constructed as for the imprinting the perpetual evolution of the indicators and the variables to be possible in all the levels of administrative separation of the Greek Territory, such as these that were formed in the period from 1981 until today. It has been formed in such a way in the geodatabase for methodological analysis of network and the road network of Greece (categorized in all the levels that concern the National, Regional and Rural network) as well as the marine connections of the areas to take place. There are also all the necessary helpful levels of information available for the production of maps (Contours, Lakes, Rivers, Settlements etc).

Its operation has the technical and financial support of the concession holding companies of the four major road projects in Western and Southern Greece and specifically that of Olympia Odos, Ionia Odos, the Rion-Antirrion Bridge and Moreas S.A. These sub-road axes form a modern road network of more than 600 km passing through 12 provinces and three regions with a total population of over two million people.

The Centre is an innovative initiative aiming at the continuous assessment and monitoring of the spatial effects of major road axes in the Western Country.

Its operation is fully consistent with European Union’s policies for assessing the effects of TENsT Network in the development and cohesion of the European Area. Its organization and activity follows the principles and standards which similar observatories apply in Europe the past decades, with positive results.

According to the European practice, the main function of POADEP is the constant monitoring , by appropriate scientific methods, of the effects of these projects on the financial and social development of the region.

Its primary activity is the creation and calculation on a constant basis, and the study of appropriate indicators which measure the spatial effects of the roads, as well as the production of relevant studies, surveys and reports. The study of the phenomenon of social exclusion, poverty, unemployment and inequalities, which are endemic in most counties that the road network reference Observatory crosses is significant for its surveys.

Main task and objective is to continuously inform the public about these effects through its website and other advertising media, such as by organizing or participating in seminars, conferences and other related events. As a specialized open access and information institution is addressed and seek partnerships and networking with the scientific potential of the country, agencies, business, research centers and higher education institutions.

The POADEP beyond its function as an analysis center, study and dissemination of the results of roadway effects, aims to also provide a useful tool for supporting and promoting appropriate policy actions by the responsible development and administrative bodies in charge of implementation regional, economic, social and spatial planning in the region.