How are organizations limited by data?
Organizations make large investments in geographic information system (GIS) data. Often this data resides on a limited number of office-based computers, and can only be accessed by specialized GIS software operated by trained professionals. Organizations want to leverage their investments by increasing the utility of the data. This would encourage the use of GIS, making operations more efficient and providing better value to stake holders.
How has CDM helped organizations better leverage data?
CDM was approached by an established municipal client with a request to make their data more usable for daily operations. Based on this request, CDM developed a mobile mapping application that allows users to view GIS data in the field. Mobile mapping provides access to data, scanned documents, and also has global positioning system (GPS) and utility tracing capabilities. While it can be used on any computer with a Windows platform, clients have been using the program on ruggedized laptops for use in the field. Ruggedized laptops are lightweight and resistant to water, dust, shock, and sunlight, and can be vehicle mounted or carried by field personnel.
Can you provide an example of how mobile mapping is used by a client?
Let’s say a water main breaks in the middle of the night. Valves need to be closed to isolate the main. Previously, utility workers had to locate the paper as-built drawings that show the underground system. They identified valves in the plans, and then had to find them in the field. Problems can arise if valves do not close and the workers realize they do not have the plans for valves they need to access.
Now, utility workers drive to the site with a laptop running the mobile mapping program. As they drive, the laptop automatically locates their position using GPS technology. Upon arrival, the valve isolation tool locates the main break on the map, and the valves that need to be closed to isolate the break are identified. The program can retrieve all as-built drawings for the site and the surrounding area, as well as show all of the house connection cards.
What kind of organizations can take advantage of the mobile mapping program?
Any organization with spatial data that can be visualized through GIS can use the program. Potential users include private and industrial firms, municipalities, airports, and departments of public works. The mobile mapping program was built on a flexible development platform in a modular way. This means that CDM can efficiently and economically build new modules on the established framework, specific to the client’s needs.
What is the next phase of mobile mapping?
CDM is in the process of extending the functionality of the current mobile mapping program. It will have the ability to collect inspection information about any geographic feature and can save data linked to any specific date. For instance, a user can query catch basins in a specific area that have not been cleaned in a certain amount of time. The user can also look at the entire inspection history of one specific catch basin.