Traditional Data Collection Methods
There are traditional, tried and proven, methods of data collection. There are cutting edge
technology data collection methods. In general, the same information is collected and each
method has advantages and disadvantages.
Traditional inspection methods preceded our
current age of technology. Physical inspections
of underground utilities have been conducted
with manned entry being a mainstay of the
operations. Inspectors physically enter utility
structures, when possible, to visually inspect
conditions.
Data, comments, and sketches have been
recorded on paper forms. Field technicians
collect instant photos for location and defect
identification, and record time, date, location,
defect and structure number on each photo.
Field forms and photos must be filed in folders
or notebooks for storage and reference. Utility
atlas maps must be created or updated for
facility locations. All this information must be
entered into computerized databases for review
and evaluation.
Monitoring flow in conduits is another area where accepted
traditional methods may be supplanted with newer
technologies. Open channel flows, such as gravity sanitary
sewers or storm sewers, and pressure system flows, such as
potable water systems, gas mains and sanitary sewer force
mains, have often been recorded using continuous paper strip
charts, drum charts or circular charts. Analysis of the flows
recorded on paper charts requires that operators manually pick
data from the charts and tabulate the information. There are
many problems associated with using paper chart recorders
including loss of data due to ink drying out, data being
overwritten if charts aren't replaced at proper intervals, and
fading of ink over time.
Data collection and utility system evaluation must include review and confirmation of existing
data including utility atlas maps, as-built and record drawings, and field surveys. Surveys are
time consuming and expensive, so surveyor activities are normally conducted to rectify datum
differences and to verify key data. In order to utilize modern mapping tools, coordinates must be
determined for utility structures, labels or structure identifiers must be linked, and spatial
relationships must be determined for all entities.
