Between the Poles

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