Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/59336
Pipeline Management Useful GIS Data One definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results. When accurate maps and utility descriptions don't exist, wastewater operators make the same mistaken assumptions about why their system is failing. Without seeing the "big pic- ture," they can't stop reoccurring SSOs or track tempo- rary fixes put into place. In many cities, as-built drawings and utility maps are outdated, incomplete, or, in worst cases, ruined or destroyed. In small towns especially, there's often only one operator who seems to know where every "mystery pipe" is located or where manholes have been covered by pavement. This information is valuable and neces- sary to maintain a system, but can be lost or overlooked if not accurately and permanently recorded. The development of rapidly advancing geotechnol- ogy provides cities with the tools they need to obtain a "bird's eye view" of their entire wastewater system. Accurate GPS data and detailed asset inspections, integrated into a GIS program, give operators an ideal approach to overall utility management. The key to a successful GIS program is the quality and accuracy of the data collected. Manholes are best located with centimeter-accurate real-time kinematic GPS units. Full inspections yield data such as material, pipe size, condition ratings, manhole depth and rim elevations. Imagine if you were a public-works director, and within minutes of receiving a call on an SSO, you had the ability to locate the area of concern and quickly access all the attribute data for the manhole and sewer main. You then could quickly assemble the cor- rect resources and efficiently dispatch field staff. GIS makes this possible. When GIS data can be relied on, there's no guess- ing. The stress of SSO occurrence, response, repair lThe foundation to a successful utility GIS program is obtaining accurate GPS locations and completing thorough inspections for GIS integration. and reporting become less time consuming, less costly and more controlled. Achieving Operational Awareness Overseeing the daily operations of a wastewater sys- tem is a multi-dimensional task for cities large and small. Useful GIS data leveraged in decision making for utility management, maintenance and long-term planning is invaluable. Understanding that the infrastructure exists, where it's located and how it connects together is essential to preventing and eliminating SSOs. The goals associated with building a GIS program should ultimately lead to achieving maximum opera- tional awareness. GIS programs developed with "good enough" data and incomplete inspections always will result in untrustworthy maps, leading to incorrect assumptions and costly mistakes. The return on investment for an accurate GIS program can be astounding. When an SSO occurs, too often a field crew is sent out with obsolete utility maps and becomes ill-equipped to deal with the problem. It may spend hours looking for a feature that wasn't properly mapped. In worst cases, property is destroyed in an effort to find these unidentifiable assets, causing increased costs and public frustration. With a GIS program, thou- sands of dollars can be saved in a single SSO event by completing efficient repairs. lOperational awareness over wastewater utilities is greatly enhanced by the analytical capabilities of GIS, and it's the first step toward preventing and eliminating SSOs. 20 GEO W ORLD / MAR CH 2O12 Maintenance and Asset Management Many cities fear the task of GIS maintenance, as man- holes and pipes are replaced and new subdivisions are added. Web-based GIS applications, however, now allow greater flexibility when maintaining GIS data. Esri's ArcGIS Server, for example, is capable of real- time data management. Add ArcGIS Mobile, and cities now can update attribute data and add utility features