GIS/GPS

GIS - Full Extent
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Although the South Coast Conduit (SCC) itself generally needs little maintenance, it remains COMB's prime responsibility. Being 99% underground, it is imperative to have the capability of accurately locating the pipeline without excavation. For this reason, COMB is in the midst of transitioning from sole reliance on original profile and alignment drawings to a more advanced and up to date method. Most of these old drawings show topography that is vastly different from the current contour. In many cases, homes, communities, and modern roads existing today are not represented in early records. This makes visual cues less and less reliable and requires far more research to accurately locate a given point. In need of updating, COMB turned to a GPS location system to help modernize the process. A Trimble setup was purchased and the process of compiling information began.

GIS - Zoom
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A contributing factor in realizing a need for an update was COMB's participation in the DigAlert system. With so many modern utilities choosing to go underground for their transmission, it was necessary to help homeowners and contractors safely discover what was beneath their work sites. DigAlert fills this need and notifies any utility within the range of work of a possible conflict. With COMB receiving up to 20 of these alerts a day, a streamlined process was sought. Along with increased efficiency, understanding of information given to outside agencies and contractors is expected to improve. To aid in that, a navigable map, using a color coded pipeline and existing roads/topography seemed the most logical medium of communication.

In creating this tool, the first task was to develop a baseline map of the SCC. This required marking known locations and any temporary pipeline exposures with a "point". As those points were acquired, the map began to take shape. Once COMB was satisfied with the accuracy, a GIS map was mated to it.

The result, even in its early form, was a useful map that could be as interactive or passive as desired. Although not yet solely relied upon for critical reference, the map acts as a helpful resource. The end goal is to create a map accurate enough to be used as a stand-alone tool. Once that is achieved, the next step is to have the information available on-site using a laptop computer loaded with GIS software. This will allow users to show individuals not familiar with our system, exactly where the SCC is located under their work site. It will not require a GIS educated or even computer literate person to understand this format. It will be in simple map form with the ability to zoom, overlay roads, acquire specific site information and other more advanced options if need be.

The initial attempt is very promising and even in its first stages, proves reliable and easy to use. As more points are acquired and the system gains even greater levels of accuracy and reliability, it has the potential to become the main form of pipeline location.