Effective Integration of Field Inventory and Data Conversion Efforts
Field Inventory Technological Advancements
Advancement in field inventory technology is the most significant factor in the
development of the digital field data acquisition system. From the outset, data
acquisition is tailored to meet the specific requirements of each utility. Pen-based
computers are used and if location information is to be captured with geodetic accuracy,
Global Positioning System (GPS) laser is added.
HARDWARE - The most notable advancement in field inventory technology has been
the exponential increase in processing power and storage capacity of pen-based
computers. Currently available pen-based computers with 120 MHz Pentium processors
and 2 Gigabyte hard drives have begun to keep pace with laptop development. It is the
author’s opinion that this notable change in the willingness of leading computer
manufactures to invest in pen-based development will continue, and even increase as the
market for these products grow. The ability to download digital field information from
the pen-computer is also very significant in the successful integration of data captured in
the field and data converted from existing sources.
GPS is used on projects where the specification requires capturing location information
with sub-meter accuracy. While improvements in GPS equipment hasn’t kept pace with
advancements in pen-based computers, this may simply be representative of a more
mature technology. Introduction of the capacity to receive differential correction
information in real time as part of a single integrated unit is one of the most significant
enhancements. While in the past this was available as a third party option, it is now part
of the manufacturer’s base package. Practical experience has shown that the laser range
finder is not just an enhancement to the GPS, it is a requirement for the productive use of
the system. In addition to complementing the capability of the GPS, the laser can be used
independently to establish point locations based on ties to local coordinates within the
base map, such as a road intersection or other significant map feature. The resulting
coordinate value is as accurate as the landbase.
SOFTWARE - While we accept that hardware will change exponentially and expect to
replace current data capture hardware with the best equipment available for each new
project, the software used is strengthened by each project. The core software used for
data capture was developed by field inventory experts in a non-production environment.
By allowing programmers and field personnel to jointly develop software tools, the
required underlying intelligence is enhanced while maintaining the critical element of
ease of use. Development of data capture software is an ongoing process and must be
tailored to meet the specific requirements of each project. Real-time editing to include
graphics and circuit trace capability enhances the accuracy of the digital output. Flexible
digital files created in the field allow for increased compatibility with the host GIS,
reducing the need for excessive file manipulation prior to loading.
LANDBASE -To initiate the digital field inventory process, it is necessary to load a land
base file to the pen-based computer. Facilities are then added to the landbase in the
appropriate spatial relation to the land information. As mentioned previously, this can be
accomplished by placing facilities relative to the landbase or by capturing GPS
coordinates. The availability of accurate landbase has made gee-referencing, or placing
poles relative to the landbase, a viable option for some utilities. The anticipation of
relatively inexpensive satellite imagery that can be ordered for any area on the planet and
delivered in days or hours leads us to believe landbase will become a logistically
uncomplicated issue in the near future.
|
