while it takes a lot of initial input to get up and running, once it’s done, not only will the program be configured to exact specifications, but it puts system information literally at your fingertips. Because informa- tion about critical infrastructure is now being stored in the cloud, an- other component of the WQAA requires the adoption of a cybersecurity program to be integrated with any internet-connected control system. Since GIS captures data related to positions on the earth’s surface, it can also provide aerial imagery. Having an accurate snapshot of asset location stored on the cloud before a disaster occurs, such as a hur- ricane or severe flooding, can help expedite post-storm repairs because you have an exact record of what previously existed. Even if fire or flooding were to destroy original documents and computer files, having them stored in the web-based GIS server cloud would keep them safely intact. GIS programs are also a valuable tool because they offer design tools for creation of construction documents and as-built plans. Data accuracy The current New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) horizontal accuracy standards for GPS location is within 5 meters. However, since GPS is a space-based radio navigation system, it provides geolocation and time information to a GPS receiver any- where on or near the Earth. Because GIS uses GPS, you can tag an as- set in the GIS program within a 1-centimeter accuracy when coupling your device with an external GPS antenna meeting positional accuracy needs.
acquired Trimble SX10 scanning total station to acquire the needed measurements and process the data to calculate how much adjusting the lines needed. But then… “When we pointed the SX10 at the first power line, the sensor automatically locked on to the line itself, even though there was no prism,” Sellevoll said. “That was very interesting because we didn’t know that it would do that. What that meant was we could not only more easily and accurately survey the lines, we could adjust their sag in real time, directly in the field.” And just like that, a project originally scheduled for several days work was suddenly reduced to a single day. The new technology was not only a game changer in the field, it is proving to be the business development tool it was acquired to be — an instrument to redefine real-time surveying and to reap the revenue benefits of new business opportunities. Real-time measuring and monitoring In mid-August 2017, Sellevoll and Vestbø climbed into a helicopter and flew up 600 meters to the top of a mountain in Leikanger, a small town on the northern shore of Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway and the second-longest in the world. Conclusion Using GIS asset management solutions provides one access point for viewing, maintaining, and managing assets. While the initial imple- mentation of a GIS application takes a little leg work to set up, once it is up and running it is well worth the investment to have the depth of detail regarding assets and an improvement in the ability to manage them. Additionally, throughout 2018, New Jersey is offering free training at various locations around the state to educate water distribution system owners through the New Jersey Water Association (NJWA). Maser Consulting P.A. has teamed with the NJWA to show them how they can implement GIS asset management technology to manage the require- ments mandated by the WQAA for compliance. The training also covers how to get started with GIS and GPS programs by using Esri software applications coupled with web-based asset management programs. The course not only provides education on the WQAA requirements of mapping and maintaining a water system, but also is a credited course for New Jersey-licensed water and wastewater operators. SUZANNE M. ZITZMAN, GISP , is GIS Asset Management Services Division leader with Maser Consulting P.A. MARALIESE BEVERIDGE is public relations specialist with Maser Consulting. (www.maserconsulting.com).
uav + surveying
For surveyors, the “unexpected” in the field is not usually welcome. Surprises lead to challenges to resolve, time delays, and often, increased costs. But occasionally, there are pleasant surprises. Like when Even Sellevoll, a survey engineer with Norwegian company Geomatikk Survey, set up his integrated total station and scanner instrument to survey a power line, and it revealed a capability he wasn’t aware it had. That unexpected discovery completely changed his approach to the survey assignment –– in a good way. The project required Geomatikk Survey to measure and adjust the sag of new, high-voltage power lines on a mountain in Sogn og Fjordane, a county in western Norway. The original strategy was Sellevoll and his colleague, Svein Ivar Vestbø, would use the company’s newly Field discovery Real-time surveying with a scanning total station unexpectedly opens new business opportunities. By Mary Jo Wagner
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csengineermag.com
august 2018
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