Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/117518
Any overlapping construction projects are discovered early in the design process, enabling LAWA engineers and projects managers to alter construction schedules. This provides an important cost benefit to LAWA and tenants by coordinating and preventing construction conflicts and expensive redesign (see Figure 4). "We had an example in Terminal 6, where there was an escalator replacement, concessions retail-space overhaul, and Alaska Airlines remodel of the terminal concourse all scheduled for the same time and space," notes Woodard. "If work had simultaneously commenced on all three projects, it would have been disastrous for workers and travelers alike. We were able to work with all parties to stagger schedules and create a smooth schedule for the terminal overhaul. The CALM SharePoint GIS was invaluable and paid for itself even in just this one example." Three Key Markers of Success There are three "Markers of Success" when creating a SharePoint GIS in an infrastructure environment: 1. Team Approach. Early in the process, it was understood that the tool would only be successful if all teams embraced and contributed to it, so it was quickly adopted as a central dashboard for integrated project meetings. The tool is shown "live" on screens throughout conference rooms, and real-time planning decisions can be made on the spot. "LAWA has come a long way in an integrated approach to problem solving, thanks to the CALM Tools and specifically the GIS application," says Matt Brown, project manager for LAWA. 2. Executive Management Endorsement. The SharePoint GIS is fully endorsed from the "top down." Executive-level management stressed the importance of sharing schedules and planning decisions with the CALM Team. They reiterated the value of understanding the ongoing construction activities to decrease the impacts to LAX passengers and tenants. 3. Mirror Reality. The tool shows projects planned many years in the future, currently in design or construction, and completed projects. The ongoing upkeep of information on such a vast scale is challenging, but having a tool show which projects are happening on a program-management level is essential to plan such a large development program. Knowing the "Big Picture" is priceless. Figure 4. CALMShare application warns of three different construction projects previously scheduled for the same time and location. inconvenience. Another important benefit has been more-efficient packaging of construction work. Two project teams that normally wouldn't have spoken to each other can work collaboratively to minimize terminal or roadway closures. A construction-management GIS can be used in a variety of environments where space and time constraints are an important planning element. What Does the Future Hold? Future versions of CALMShare are planned, including a 2.0 version scheduled for release later in 2013. This new version will include standardized naming conventions and data, integration with P6 project-scheduling software, and the ability to access the application on tablets and smartphones. LAWA also plans for an enterprise GIS in the coming years. CALMShare started small, but it introduced GIS to a new audience and led to benefits not seen before. LAWA is working hard to build a world-class facility that will welcome visitors to Los Angeles and the surrounding community. The future is landing at LAX. Benefits of a Construction-Management Tool The CALM SharePoint GIS quickly bridged the gap between as-built drawing sets and what's actually going on in the field. Project managers can quickly pull up project information to resolve conflicts on paper rather than later in the design or construction processes, which would involve huge expenses to all parties. The tool resulted in a minimal amount of "incidents" in the terminals or adjacent roadways, minimizing passenger Donald Chinery is GIS project manager, Coordination and Logistics Management Team, Airports Development Group, Los Angeles World Airports; e-mail: dchinery@lawa.org. M A R C H 2 O 1 3 / W W W . G E O P L A C E . C O M 25