Introduction
In this article, we will discuss the audit of the GIS (Geographic Information System) system for the GPS technology program at a natural gas utility. The GPS technology program plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and accuracy of natural gas facilities. We will explore the background of the program, the equipment used, the current workflow, and recommended improvements.
Background
The legacy GIS system for the natural gas utility was created in 2007 by a company in India, which digitized the assets using microstation. However, this system has been plagued with errors, such as pipes being mapped on the wrong side of the street. These errors have led to a significant number of damages, which pose a major safety concern.
In response to these issues, new regulations were put in place to require natural gas facilities to know the exact location of their facilities. Subsequently, the GPS technology program was developed in 2015 to address these concerns and improve the accuracy of mapping.
GPS Equipment Used
The GPS technology program utilizes various pieces of equipment to ensure accurate data collection. The main equipment used includes:
- Trimble r10 gnss receiver: This high-precision receiver is used to collect GPS data with utmost accuracy.
- TSE 3 controller: It serves as a control unit for the GPS receiver, allowing users to navigate and collect data.
- Spar 300: This device helps in data transfer and communication between the GPS receiver and other systems.
Workflow of the GPS Technology Program
To understand the current workflow of the GPS technology program, let’s walk through the steps involved:
- Data Collection: Vendors or NiSource employees collect GPS points using the equipment mentioned earlier. These points are uploaded to the TCC (Trimble Connected Community) cloud.
- Approval Process: Once the points are uploaded, they are reviewed and approved by the vendor. Upon approval, the points are transferred from the TCC cloud to the pre-production geo database using FM (Feature Manipulation) software.
- Quality Review Process: In the pre-production geo database, the points go through a quality review process to ensure their spatial accuracy and make necessary corrections to the legacy pipeline datasets.
- Visibility in 3GIS Network Express Web Map: After the points are approved and reviewed, they are made visible within the 3GIS network Express web map.
Recommended Improvements and Benefits
During the audit, several improvements were identified to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the GPS technology program. These recommendations include:
- Automation of GPS Attribute Approval: Currently, GPS points are accepted or rejected based on manual review by GPS staff. It is recommended to automate this process using Python, reducing errors caused by staff with little experience in ArcMap.
- Implementation of a Version Control System: To prevent unintended edits to the default geodatabase, a three-level version control system should be put in place. This will ensure that no one edits directly on the default geodatabase, avoiding potential data integrity issues.
- Application Development for Quality Review: The development of applications like “Fabricator” will streamline the approval process for GPS points. This tool will create polygons with specific subtypes and calculate the lengths of future action areas, improving the quality review performed by GIS technicians.
- Vendor Geodatabase and Regular Updates: The quality control process can be streamlined by conducting it within the vendor geodatabase. Additionally, a separate TCC cloud can be set up for vendors to import their files, reducing duplication of GPS points. Regular updates at weekly intervals will enhance auditing capabilities.
- Development of a Web Map to Showcase the Value of GPS Technology: Many construction and operations workers are union employees with contracts that do not include GPS data collection. By developing a web map that highlights the value of the GPS technology program, employees can better understand the significance of GPS technology in enhancing the safety of natural gas utilities. The web map should compare incorrect legacy facilities in Map 1 with corrected facilities using GPS in Map 2, allowing users to see the improvements made.
Conclusion
Through the audit of the GIS system for the GPS technology program at a natural gas utility, it became evident that there are several areas for improvement. By implementing the recommended improvements, such as automation, version control, application development, vendor geodatabase, regular updates, and a web map showcasing the value of GPS technology, the program can enhance the safety of frontline workers and customers. The accuracy and efficiency of mapping natural gas facilities can be significantly improved, reducing the potential for damages and ensuring the proper maintenance of the infrastructure.