New SUE Focus at 2024 Geomatics Expo

Subsurface Utility Engineering Advances: building on the interest and engagement from the successful 2023 expo, the 2024 National Canadian Geomatics Expo will feature an expanded track dedicated to Subsurface Utilities Engineering (SUE). This program encompasses a wide range of topics, including effective collection of subsurface utilities data, sophisticated mapping and modeling techniques tailored for SUE, and the application of geospatial technologies in utilities collection and mapping. It will also delve into critical infrastructure protection, focusing on the latest sensor technologies such as ground penetrating radar, and the integration of AI and machine learning for enhanced data analysis. Furthermore, the track will address crucial regulatory and governance issues, adhering to ASCE and CSA standards.

City of Kelowna How Can You Manager Your Assets If You Don’t Have the Data?

Local governments have been updating their asset inventories to comply with the TCA legislation since the early 2000s, paying particular attention to the attributes, locations, ages and conditions of their assets. However, infrastructure changes constantly due to capital projects and land development, especially in fast-growing municipalities like Kelowna. Collecting accurate and complete information on new assets has been a major challenge, mainly due to limited staff resources. To address this issue, Kelowna adopted the MMCD IDS (Master Municipal Construction Documentation Association – Infrastructure Data Standards), which provide a consistent framework for delivering post-construction data. This presentation will explain what the MMCD IDS are, and how Kelowna implemented them, covering topics such as management support, stakeholder engagement, data consumption, enforcement and training.

Utility Mapping With Terraflow

Utility mapping is a crucial practice in urban planning and construction, focusing on identifying, documenting, and visualizing the precise locations of underground utilities such as water pipes, gas lines, electrical conduits, and telecommunication cables. Accurate mapping of these utilities is vital to ensure safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in construction projects, preventing accidental damages that can lead to significant service disruptions, safety hazards, and financial losses. The increasing complexity of urban infrastructure necessitates advanced solutions that can deliver comprehensive and accurate utility maps. Traditional methods often fall short in providing the precision and detail required for modern construction and maintenance projects. There is a growing need for solutions that can produce meaningful deliverables, including sketch plans, survey workflows, and GIS workflows, which are essential for effective project planning and execution.

KEYNOTE: Subsurface Utility Data – From Field Collection to 3D Modelling

With the increasing focus on damage prevention, public safety concerns, and environmental damage due to underground utility strikes, it has become more critical to accuracy locate, store and be able to visualize subsurface utilities. Several key technical details are discussed when implementing a subsurface mapping system from data collection to the use of machine learning for 3D modelling and visualization. The ability to make safe and effective decisions for infrastructure projects depends on having accurate data and the ability to visualize and trust that data.

3D GIS Mapping is key for Future Utility Damage Prevention

Case Study: How DOTs and Utility owners took a Proactive Approach to Protect Underground Pipeline Assets

Due to aging infrastructure and lack of accurate utility location information resulting in huge increased operational risk & especially at waterway, transportation, and ROW utility crossings. Utility owners understand the significant underground congestion and utility conflicts which result in future damages and the value the importance of geo location of UNLOCATEBLE underground pipelines.

Why the World needs a Subsurface Utility Map Data Exchange

In countries that have very accurate and accessible map records, utility damage events are a rare occurrence. Japan with a one third of the population of the US has less than 200 line strikes per year. We will discuss how creating, sharing, and using accurate maps is critical in reducing damage to buried infrastructure.