Utilizing GIS and automated field data collection for F.E.R.C. filings and new construction
F.E.R.C. Survey
The philosophy we’ve adopted for collecting data for a F.E.R.C. filling is, only collect what is
needed for the filling. Also, only collect features you can’t extract from the ortho-corrected aerial
photography. The DTM data from the ortho-corrected photography can also be used for many
design applications such as profile updates resulting from digital re-routes.
The primary focus on a F.E.R.C. survey will be the route collection and site specific design.
- Route Collection
- Site Specific Design
Survey data collection
The route centerline as well as additional temporary workspace will be staked and collected. This
also provides the route information for the environmental teams. As the environmental team
makes their delineations a survey crew will perform a follow up survey to collect those sites.
- Centerline Route
- Environmental Data
Site specific design survey
As the route is laid out and staked site specific survey crews will pick up supplemental data.
We typically collect data using Total Station or GPS units. To help reduce time spent in the field
we have started to use laser technology to collect data. This allows us to take a multitude of shots
from a single point with out leaving the proposed construction workspace or entering a property
without pre-approval.
One good example of Laser usage would be when collecting data for a residential detail.
Upon completion of the first pass all the data needed from the field has been collected. Any
additional data needed to complete drawings and reports will come from ortho-corrected
photography, maps, and reports generated from field data processing.
- Roads
- Railroads
- Streams and Rivers
- Residential Construction Details
- Boundaries
- Marine
Preliminary construction survey
Additional data needed to complete the engineering design will be collected after the F.E.R.C.
filing and would primarily consist of supplemental data for site specific designs, re-routes and
boundary surveys. In many situations additional data can be extracted from field data collected on
the F.E.R.C. survey or ortho photography. This type of data extraction further eliminates the need
for field survey.
- Supplemental Data
- Re-Routes
- Boundary Surveys
Data quality check
A key component to survey data collection is data checking. To insure data accuracy and
reliability a survey data technician is placed in the field on each of our projects to receive data
daily and communicate with the survey supervisor. The data tech insures that the data is
collected according to the survey procedures and that all data is coded and attributed correctly.
This up front interaction between survey and the survey data tech helps head off any problems
that would other wise linger through out the project. The main objective is to have good clean
usable data.
- Data Review, Approval and Transfer
- Formatting
- Reports
- Data Loading
Data review, approval and transfer
The data tech will project the data into a CADD file, check it against the control network and verify
that the coding and attributes are correct.
All electronic files begin and end with a point shot on a control monument. The data is checked to
insure that the survey is within tolerance. It’s then checked visually against base files, maps and
ortho photography.
A review of supplemental hard copy data will show any additional information or notes taken by
the surveyor that may or may not need to be included in the electronic file.
- Project Data
- Verify Monument Tie-ins
- Visual Verification
Formatting
If pertinent information is found in the survey hard copy notes that need to be inserted into the
electronic files the data tech will perform that task during the formatting stage. They will also edit
any other attributes within the data file to conform to standard layout.
When the survey has been approved by the data tech it’s transferred to the data processor.
- Input of additional information
- Text Editing
- Data Transfer
Survey and data processing summary
We’ve looked at the processes and procedures and details of our philosophy on data collection
and data processing. Hopefully you were able to identify some of the time saving features of
using electronic data collection equipment. By collecting data in real world coordinates and
utilizing a data dictionary you can cut countless hours from your data collection and data
processing routines. By using improved technology such as lasers you can also realize additional
timesaving benefits.
Survey and data processing is just one part of the overall process. To complete the process we
have to bring the data that’s been collected and combine it with other information to produce a
completed alignment sheet.
Alignment sheet
Just like in our survey program we re-evaluated our alignment sheet procedures to accommodate
GIS ready mapping.
