CDM News - May 2008 - (Page 13) “The mobile mapping program allows organizations to leverage their GIS investments by increasing the utility of the data … this makes operations more efficient and provides better value to stakeholders.” —Stephen G. Keen, CDM associate and GIS manager Leveraging GIS in the middle of the night. A utility crew scrambles to collect the information necessary to isolate the break and notify affected customers. They need the asbuilt drawings showing the underground system, but locating and interpreting paper documents in the field is challenging. If a valve does not close properly, even more valuable time and money can be lost. Thanks to CDM’s mobile mapping program, issues like these can be minimized. The mobile mapping program allows users to view geographic information system (GIS) data in the field, provides access to scanned documents, and has global positioning system (GPS) and utility tracing capabilities—providing field crews with instant access to data required to address emergencies and support daily operations. Now, when the water main breaks, utility workers drive to the site with a laptop running the mobile mapping program. As they drive, the laptop automatically locates their positions using GPS. Upon their arrival, the valve isolation tool identifies valves that need to be closed to isolate the break. If a valve will not operate, the search expands to the next available valve(s). Crews can also access critical documents including valve cards and as-built plans to identify affected customers. All of this occurs onsite, and in a matter of minutes. Investment with Mobile Mapping A critical water main breaks Accessible, Efficient, and Flexible According to Stephen G. Keen, CDM associate and GIS manager, organizations make large investments in GIS data, but it often resides on a limited number of office-based computers—accessed only by specialized GIS software operated by trained professionals. “The mobile mapping program allows organizations to leverage their GIS investments by increasing the utility of the data. This maximizes the use of GIS, making operations more efficient and providing better value to stakeholders,” said Keen. While the mobile mapping program can run on any Windows® platform, most CDM clients have been using it on ruggedized, touch-screen laptops built to serve the demands of field operations. These laptops are lightweight; resistant to water, dust, and shock; are readable in sun or darkness; and can be vehicle mounted or carried by field personnel. CDM mobile applications are built on a flexible development platform, allowing new custom modules to be easily integrated into the established framework. Keen explained that the latest module can collect inspection information about any geographic feature and save data linked to any date. This could be a hydrant inspection, valve exercising, catch basin cleaning, or any other type of inspection. “The future of this technology is exciting— we will be able to develop custom programs to meet the needs of any of our clients using spatial data.” | Nicole M. Sparks 13
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