Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/62129
valves, curb stops, manholes and culverts, and it used Trimble GeoXH GPS devices equipped with a data dictionary for attribute collection. The GPS units were equipped with Zephyr antennae and Variable-Rate Application real-time corrections, ensuring high-accuracy mapping and GIS data collection, generally accurate within a few inches. After the asset data were collected, they were migrated to ArcGIS Shapefile format and put through a rigorous quality-analysis/quality-control process that involved aligning pipes and mains as well as validating topology and network connectivity before being entered into an enterprise Geodatabase built on ArcSDE and SQL Server technology. All data were linked to as-built drawings and televis- ing reports to create a "one-stop" database for all asset information. Pipes, including mains, services and culverts, were digitized into the SDE database by digitally rectifying the as-built drawings and aligning them with the GPS-accurate features. The pipes then were digitized using the dimensions and characteris- tics defined in the as-built drawings and a Microsoft Access database. The data schema was consistent across the municipalities and service areas, and all features were categorized based on each service area, which served as a feature dataset. The uniform data format was critical, as opera- tors often move among municipalities, and data consistency was needed. Base-mapping informa- tion such as aerial photography, streets, municipal boundaries, watersheds, hydrology features and other base-map features were collected from the surrounding municipalities and counties. The base- map features then were cached and tiled as PNG In the mobile application, editing is enabled to allow operators to modify asset attributes. files to allow for faster map loading and determin- ing predefined zoom levels. After the data were collected, a Web interface was developed using ArcGIS Server 10 to allow mainte- nance workers to access, view and edit assets in the field. The application features user/group permissions managed by MVC 3 and SQL permission tables to allow users to login and view designated areas and assets. Based on user credentials, the application can automatically load a different configuration that would determine map scales, map layers, layout and user interface, and read/write permissions. Since implementation, the application provides MCO with improved efficiencies, and the program continues to grow. Expansions are ongoing to include many more municipalities, and additional functionality is planned for development throughout 2012, including greater in-field editing capabilities, reporting, drill-down identification of features to identify related and joined tables, a robust query builder, and the ability to add service disruptions as a feature class, such as water-main breaks. Accurate measuring tools help field operators locate assets. Mobility/GPS Special Issue Brian L. Jensen is senior project manager, GeoDecisions; e-mail: bjensen@geodecisions.com. APRIL 2O12 / WWW . GEOPLA CE . COM 25