GIS/GPS Field Data Collection for Asset and Incident Management

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Executive Summary

Problem

Field data collection for asset management or incident management (e.g. oil spill response) depend on accurate, timely and validated information

Solution

Field data collection workflows using GPS or specific GIS data layers (aerial photographs, parcels) are used to acquire actionable information in the shortest time and with the least cost.

GPS for cost effective field data collection integrated into GIS

The global positioning systems is a location and navigation utility functional 24-hours a day, 365 days per year. Capable of positional accuracies on the order of inches, GPS is ideal for georeferencing field data. Data can be hand-keyed directly into a field computer, collected by scanning bar code, or via digital calipers, laser range and GPS receivers.

Accurate asset management and maintenance

Farallon's field-based solutions let you roll out mobile GPS services for accurate determination of asset locations and field inspection. An accurate inventory of all assets is the backbone of most infrastructure management systems (fire hydrants, pipeline valves etc.) Using field data collection GPS systems integrated with an Enterprise GIS, you can document the geographic location of any asset and integrate it with database with costs, routing information, emergency planning, and maintenance schedules. Real-time field inspection also let you decide whether and when needs repair or replacement.

Data validation is a key issue once a field data collection workflow is successfully implemented into an emergency response or incident management system.

Wildfire Management

In the early stages of a wildfire, it is difficult to obtain good detailed information from a paper map. But with GPS and a GIS, fire perimeter data and documented damage assessment information, can be collected and displayed real-time by on-the-ground crews, remote sensing, or helicopter reconnaissance flights, recording accurate geographic coordinates using a GPS handheld device. The field data collection integrated with the GIS (which might also include moisture and fuel level of the vegetation cover, weather conditions, etc) can be used for pre-fire assessments of risk, real-time mapping of fire extent and movement, as well as post-fire analysis.

GPS for Incident Management

GPS field data collection data can provide actionable, up-to-the-minute geospatial intelligence for events such as traffic accidents, fire, E-911, and natural or man-made disasters. Field crews capture data and feed it back to the command center. For example, where is the oil spill at time zero, at time 1, at time 2, etc - or where has the fire spread over time, or what lane needs to be closed off due to a traffic accident. This information can be used predictively for corrective action, for emergency or for post-disaster recovery planning. GIS and GPS field data collection saves valuable time that can be used to mitigate environmental impact and costs, as well as save human lives.

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