Between the Poles

SUMSF 2023 Panel: Next Steps in the Evolution of Damage Prevention

For the May 16, 2023, SUMSF 2023 livestream panel discussion, “Next Steps in the Evolution of Damage Prevention,” Steve Slusarenko, Director of CUIR, Gopher State One Call ‘s Chief of Operations Officer, Barb Cederberg, Peter Lamb, Professional Land Surveyor/Deputy Chief Surveyor at Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO), and Lawrence Arcand, President at 4Sight Utility Engineers, joined their knowledge and expertise together to inspire and inform participants. Slusarenko acted as moderator for this discussion.

Cederberg responded to the first question by remembering how when she realized damages were not going down in five years, she wondered, “What can we do differently?” and “What action can we take to improve the industry?” She then became involved in two projects, the Minnesota Utility Mapping Project and GPS locating device project, both were successful. She noted both successes and failures. Cederberg noted the importance of getting underground utilities mapped. 

Arcand responded next, saying he felt the key was to figure out what people want to do with the data. There are two different fields who could use this information. The first field is the locate and damage prevention field, and the second field is the subsurface utility engineering side. Both fields have similar requirements and use similar data, but have different intentions. He looked forward to discussing how the requirements could be achieved and to come up with something to be proud of. 

Lamb entered the discussion and said he found it strange that land surveyors were doing a great job of keeping track of the “invisible lines” that marked boundaries, but not keeping track of the invisible lines under the ground that could do a lot of damage. He noted the difficulties that could arise when the underground information was not available. When he began his work with the MTO, he was assigned reviewing post-construction reports. The reports highlighted what went well, and not so well, with a pattern of utilities uncovered at construction causing issues and delays.  

Watch and listen to the whole panel discussion to find out more.

SUMSF 2023: CUIR Presents the Minnesota Utilities Mapping Project

Steve Slusarenko, Director of CUIR (Canadian Underground Infrastructure Register) and Bob Basques, Technical Director of SharedGeo, presented the “Case for Canadian Underground Infrastructure Register” during their May 16, 2023,  SUMSF 2023 livestream presentation called, “CUIR Presents the Minnesota Utilities Mapping Project.”

Slusarenko opened the presentation to introduce the initiative and discuss the development of a system that will allow utility owners to share information regarding the location of their facilities with those who need the information. He said although the state and provincial State One Calls have been instrumental in supporting today’s damage prevention capabilities, they know there is still more to be done. This need is the subject of the presentation. 

The CUIR initiative was created in the autumn of 2021, as a Canadian initiative to bring awareness and reduce the risk and cost associated with working on and near buried infrastructure. The CUIR team is now made up of over 80 passionate individuals who aim to take the process of  “One Call Damage Prevention” to another level. 

In 2021, the Canadian Common Ground Alliance found underground infrastructure damage in Canada was about 1 billion Cdn. In October 2021, The Common Ground Alliance listed a GIS-based mapping system as an opportunity to slow the damage rate and said the following would happen if this system was put into place: improved locating efficiency, increased excavator safety, cost savings and reduced risks. 

Basques then provided a demonstration of a working prototype, developed by Gopher State One Call. He introduced the “Minnesota Utilities Mapping Project,” and FuzionView (the product that will come out of this project). He also discussed a few case studies as well as the importance of the Minnesota Utilities Mapping Project. Basques discussed how FuzionView worked and its benefits. 

A question and answer session followed the presentation.  Watch the video above to find out more.

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Deep Learning-Based Underground Digital Twins: Scan to BIM at SUMSF 2023

Bringing information from around the world, Dr. Vincent Fan, Lidarist Company Limited, Chief Technical Officer, Leo Kwan, Lidarist Chief Executive Officer and Dr. Wai Yeung Yan, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Assistant Professor, joined together at SUMSF 2023 to present a livestream on May 16, 2023 called, “Deep learning based underground digital twins: Scan to BIM.”

Dr. Yan began the presentation by introducing some recent work in Hong Kong, and discussing AI solutions regarding converting 3D into BIM models for underground scenarios. He spoke about the challenges of limited time and accessing records of underground utilities. Dr. Yan discussed the differences between 2D UU maps and 3D Point Clouds.

Leo Kwan was the next to speak, and discussed the approach of “hardware over software” taken by Lidarist. There is over 7000 km of underground pipework in Hong Kong and efficient data extraction software is still needed. He discussed the deep neural network, classification of object types and semantic segmentation. Kwan spoke about the scanning to BIM process and deep learning-based semantic segmentation processes.

Data acquisition was the next topic of discussion, and Lidar plays an important role. Laser scanning, placement of control points, setups, control targets, coordinate extraction and 3D point clouds were explained and demonstrated.  

A scan to BIM workflow was demonstrated as well. In the future, to cope with the “ever-changing” data, Lidarist’s solution will allow quick response and upgradable MN models. It is designed to be flexible and adaptable. 

A question and answer session followed the presentation.  Watch the whole presentation to find out more.

 

 

SUMSF 2023: Reduct Presents the Importance of 3D Gyroscopic Pipeline Mapping Technology

A livestream presentation of 3D Gyroscopic Pipeline Mapping Technology was given by Otto Ballintijn, CEO of Reduct NV, during SUMSF 2023, on May 16, 2023. The presentation served as an introduction to inertial navigation technology and the  benefits of high-frequency usage and points. 

Reduct develops solutions for accurate utility mapping of pipelines and ducts, and is a leading developer of inertial navigation systems. The company knows what you can’t see is just as important as what you can see. 

 

Ballintijn discussed gyro mapping devices and how they work. He then talked about how this mapping system was different from conventional methods. The benefits of using inertial navigation were included in this part of the discussion and include being used for any utility, pipe material, no need for above-ground tracing, you can map at any depth, open platform output. electromagnetic noise does not affect and high-frequency sampling is available.

Ballintijn also spoke about what we can use the system for. One way is GIS management, and another way is contractor handover management. GIS platform management and maintenance planning are also other ways to use inertial navigation. He spoke about traditional surveying technologies and three interesting, related case studies. 

Ballintijn said, “Just don’t take the risk. Get it mapped, and if you get it mapped, get it mapped with as much detail as you can. If you don’t need it today, you may need it tomorrow.”

A question and answer session followed the presentation.  Watch the whole presentation to find out more.

Establishing an Urban Infrastructure Mapping Research Program: Remembering Dr. Geoff Zeiss / Introduction to the National Digital Twin Initiative

Peter Pulsifer, a Professor of Geomatics in the Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences at Carleton University, and Stephen Fai, a Professor of Architecture and Urbanism at  Carleton University, teamed up to present “Establishing an Urban Infrastructure Mapping Research Program: Remembering Dr. Geoff Zeiss / Introduction to the National Digital Twin Initiative,” during a livestream at SUMSF 2023. 

Pulsifer began by speaking about Geoff Zeiss, whom he called an “innovator and global leader” in the area of mapping and developing sustainable and effective urban infrastructure. He discussed the many achievements and awards Zeiss accumulated during his lifetime, mentioning how Zeiss wanted everyone to work together for the greater good. 

At Carleton University, Zeiss’s legacy lives on through the Geoff Zeiss Urban Infrastructure Mapping Fund and program. The program that is being developed will draw from researchers in many disciplines.

 

Pulsifer’s part of the talk focused around establishing an urban infrastructure mapping and research program. He discussed data management and collection, addressing issues, making use of drones, skills development, opportunities and boundaries of consumer devices and enhancing existing technology and data flow. Policy narratives and data governance were also discussed.  Pulsifer also discussed Digital Twins, and system and data interoperability. 

Fai was introduced at this time and shared about his Digital Twin work. He gave a brief introduction to the Carleton Immersive Media Studio, of which Fai is the director. There are four areas of research: digitalization, modelling, digital-assisted fabrication and digital-assisted storytelling. Fai discussed a national Digital Twin for Canada, what a Digital Twin is, how it works, the challenges, what a Digital Twin does and why we would want it. 

Pulsifer came back to discuss the future before a Q & A session was held. Watch the whole presentation to find out more.

 

Call for Between the Poles Editorial Committee Members

Between the Poles (BTP) is looking to create an Editorial Committee.

Between the Poles is an engaging blog created by the late Geoff Zeiss to discuss everything about infrastructure and underground utilities in the construction process. Zeiss strongly advocated on issues of importance in utilities, infrastructure and other industries. The blog also addresses issues and updates. It currently continues under the care of GoGeomatics Canada.

We are asking the community to join us as we work on various projects together.

Our goal is to meet once a month online to manage and coordinate content in line with Geoff Zeiss’s efforts. This group will also vet submitted articles.

Articles can also be submitted even if people don’t want to join the committee.

There are two efforts, where you can get involved.

1. "BTP Editorial and Writing Committee" to help generate and vet content for Geoff's Between the Poles Blog. It is envisioned that the BTP committee would meet once a month on Zoom to discuss story ideas and coordinate content.
2. Join the Geoff Zeiss Infrastructure Research endowment efforts to help steer that.

The goal is this group will work within the Canadian Underground Infrastructure Register (CUIR) umbrellas initiative as a subcommittee.

Sign-up to volunteer

 

The Rapid Growth of Electric Infrastructure Impacts on Utility Processes and Systems of Record at SUMSF 2023

Robert (Bob) Schultz, an Electric Utility Industry Specialist for Locusview, held a livestream presentation at SUMSF 2023. The topic of his talk was “The Rapid Growth of Electric Infrastructure Impacts on Utility Processes and Systems of Record.” 

His presentation included discussions about today’s utility construction landscape, business impacts, supply chain and asset traceability for electric and gas (SCATE), and an overview of Locusview. Schultz said infrastructure construction is booming. There is a $1. 564 billion government investment in electric infrastructure through the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathway program. This will result in new asset installations. 

Schultz addressed the different impacts on utilities, such as high safety risks from poor markouts, backlog growth, ineffective decisions, system reliability and resilience targets are not being met and there are high CWIP and AFUDC balances. There are outside forces impacting resource availability.  These forces include lack of workforce availability, product defects and recalls, manufacturing capabilities are overwhelmed and rising material availability delays. 

 

What’s the solution? Schultz says “We’ve all got stories of failed field automation attempts.”

Utilities must reimagine work processes and technology as need for high-fidelity data and rapid system growth is here to stay. Schultz proceeded to introduce Locusview as a pioneer for DCM for gas utilities with proven adoption and value. 

He further discussed supply chain and asset traceability for electric and gas (SCATE). Locusview is working with IEEE, EPRI and other utilities and manufacturers to establish a universal ID naming convention and QR code for electrical assets. There was a pilot program focused on underground electric conductors, which showed progress, and there was also a proof of concept project.  

Schultz moved on to discussing solutions, such as managing the construction process from planning to close out. Watch the video to discover what other solutions are possible.

OGC Presents Integrating and Sharing Underground Information with MUDDI: SUMSF 2023

On May 16, 2023, during SUMSF 2023, Joshua Lieberman, Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Director of Innovation Programs, held a livestream presentation called, "OGC Presents Integrating and Sharing Underground Information with MUDDI: SUMSF 2023."

The OGC is a member-led group of experts dedicated to improving access to, advancing, and sharing, geospatial and information while addressing everyday needs and solving global challenges. 

Lieberman introduced MUDDI (Model for Underground Data Definition and Integration).He said there was a need to have an information model to safely work, maintain and improve underground utility infrastructure, as well as the supporting environment. What was available wasn’t keeping up with above ground. Concept development studies and workshops were held which helped define the requirements and needs for such a model. 

 

Lieberman went on to talk about the OS/UK underground data activities and discuss why building a harmonized data model would help exchanges, integration, sustainability and awareness.  He discussed use cases and case studies that included routine street excavations, disaster planning, emergency response, smart cities, large construction projects and more.

The OGC Standards Working Group is working on bringing  together underground and environment information. Lieberman showed the different stages of a conceptual model. He finished the presentation by discussing the MUDDI Network Extension. 

A question and answer session followed the presentation.  Watch the whole presentation to find out more.

Reveal Presents Building Unified Utility Models for Major Civil Infrastructure Projects: SUMSF 2023

Reveal’s CEO and founder, Sam Wiffen, held a livestream presentation on Tuesday, May 16, during SUMSF 2023. The topic of the presentation was, “Building Unified Utility Models for Major Civil Infrastructure Projects.

Reveal is a “collective” of innovative underground experts who build technology solutions for the underground. Wiffen gave examples such as finding cables and pipes, hosting information, and helping clients manage underground risks. 

Wiffen acknowledged Geoff Zeiss’s leadership and support, as well as his innovation, passion, and advocacy for utility engineering. Wiffen also mentioned the Geoff Zeiss Urban Infrastructure Mapping Fund as a “phenomenal piece of work.”  Geoff’s legacy and vision align well with what Reveal wants to achieve. 

 

“It’s not about having more information, it’s about having the right information.” Wiffen took this quote and discussed how do we do more? Getting the optimum data to make the right decisions is where opportunities will be found to address failing infrastructure, technology advances, climate change, reduced workforce and more. He also addressed Reveal’s part in these challenges. He said major infrastructure projects are “the arbiters of change” and are crucial for project delivery. 

Wiffen discussed by mapping in the pre-design phase and bringing in data, there is a sense of “safety by design” as it prevents utility strikes. He also encouraged participants to reach out and help Reveal solve subsurface challenges.

A question and answer session followed the presentation.  Watch the whole presentation to find out more.

 

 

Gopher State One Call presents In Memory of Geoff Zeiss: Minnesota Utilities Mapping Project: SUMSF 2023

The first livestream of SUMSF 2023, on May 16, 2023, was by the Keynote speaker, Gopher State One Call Chief of Operations Officer, Barb Cederberg. Her presentation, “In Memory of Geoff Zeiss: Minnesota Utilities Mapping Project (MN UMP). Gopher One is a notification center in Minnesota. 

Cederberg said Geoff Zeiss was instrumental in the organization, gathering contacts, and progression of the MN UMP. She thanked Geoff for being a key contributor to the MN UMP, as he spread his influence as connector, guide, communicator, blogger (Between the Poles) and researcher. 

MN UMP was founded in August 2020 as a collaborative effort between GSOC and the Minnesota Geospatial Advisory Council, with 35 varied stakeholders. Long-term expectations were high-quality GPS facility operators, maps of underground utilities, safer excavation, increased efficiency and reduction of costs, and maps can be viewed by designers, locations, excavators and facility operators. 

 

A pilot system was compiled in 2022 and a go-forward plan was put in place. All needed funding was acquired just last month, so everything is good to go. 

In the USA, there is the Common Ground Alliance (CGA). This group developed a Next Practices Initiative, as well the CGA did a case study on the MN UMP that was published on February 9, 2023. The study noted, “Bringing damage prevention mapping technology and accessibility to 811 system end users has the potential to reduce dig-ins and increase efficiency at every step of the safe excavation process.”

Cederberg then described the process of the MN UMP pilot and upcoming discussions. 

What does the future hold? Plans include taking the pilot system to production level, improved map visualization, the development of capture information and GPS field data capability, and resources for engineering and planning. 

A question and answer session followed the presentation.  Watch the whole presentation to find out more