The NHDOT had a need to map their buried fiber optic system to a high level of accuracy to support fiber system maintenance, development of an accurate asset inventory, and implementation of a GIS environment. NHDOT contracted with CDM Smith to implement a geodatabase design and data collection process for 29 miles of fiber optic cable that runs along the I-93 corridor in southern NH. To support NHDOT requirements, it was clear that a subsurface utility engineering (SUE) approach was required by locating buried lines using geophysical tools such as ground penetrating radar and line tracing equipment. The end result was a highly accurate dataset that primarily meets “Quality Level B” mapping standards as documented by the American Society of Civil Engineering (ASCE) Standards for Subsurface Utility Mapping. This project took a fresh look at a traditional data collection workflow, and the lessons we’ll share are valuable process and management insights that are applicable to any kind of field collection project. The project involved a variety of data sources coming from several field teams, including fiber optic cabinet component inventories, manhole inspections, subsurface utility location information, and centimeter RTK-GPS measurements of asset locations in ESRI Field Maps, and it was all compiled into a single, integrated GIS workspace. Throughout this presentation, we will detail the approach to the data collection process and share some best practices that were gleaned regarding setting up quality control procedures to ensure accurate capture of assets is achieved. We’ll also dive into the components of the final product, share how it is possible to take advantage of the collection phase to assist in the final data development by using tools like 360-degree GPS-enabled cameras, and show how this process produced a valuable database that will find use in future locating efforts, system overview visualizations, and asset management. Through our example, you’ll take away some experience-based tips about how to plan ahead for your field collection efforts to ensure a smooth turnaround from field to office and set up a successful and thorough a data development process from start to finish.
