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The challenge

Technicians often heavily rely on maps and multiple GIS (Geographic Information System) data when working in the field. These maps provide critical information about the locations of assets, infrastructure, terrain, and other relevant spatial data. However, the real world is dynamic, with new infrastructure being built, land transformed, and geography evolved, so that lots of GIS data can become outdated.

• In case of inaccurate map data, a technician might waste time searching for an asset at a location that does not match the one on the map, this resulting in errors during field operations.
• Limited access to the latest updates and changes to the map can result in technicians working with outdated information, potentially leading to errors or inefficiencies.
• Inaccurate or obsolete maps can hinder effective communication and decision-making processes.
• Searching for assets in the wrong location or needing to double-check information due to out-of-date maps can be time and resource consuming.

Let’s suppose that a utility company manages a vast network of pipelines and transmission lines for delivering water, gas, and electricity to various regions. Field technicians heavily rely on GIS maps to track the location and attributes of these assets. But what happens if new gas pipelines are integrated into the network? When technicians arrive in the field, they encounter discrepancies between the map and the actual infrastructure on the ground. This misalignment can lead to confusion, inefficiencies, and potential safety concerns.
The same happens when technicians arrive in the field to inspect wind turbines and discover that the landscape has changed due to recent weather events, leading to shifts in terrain, vegetation patterns, and potential hazards.
Until now, when technicians have encountered inaccurate GIS data, they have needed to document any changes on paper, email, or other inefficient ways and communicate it to the back office for updating. The back office would be required to pinpoint the exact location and figure out what and how to update the data to reflect the current situation in the field. It could take weeks or longer for GIS data to get updated, reviewed, and published back out to the technicians.

The solution

The mobile GIS redlining feature gives technicians the possibility to mark the inaccuracies or changes needed directly on the map, based on what they actually see in the field. They can access the GIS map on their mobile devices and compare it with the actual infrastructure they encounter. If they identify any discrepancies or changes, they can use the redlining feature to mark the updated information directly on the map. So, if a new gas pipeline has been installed, technicians can draw the pipeline’s path on the map and attach relevant information, such as installation date and material used. The updated data is then passed over to the back office for review, significantly improving the time needed to get GIS data updated and back in field technicians’ hands.
Users capture real-time observations, annotate changes, updates, corrections, and notes directly on the map, that can be shared with others. These live updates ensure accuracy, boost operational efficiency, and enhance safety measures.

• Adding annotations, notes, and images to the map to indicate the changes technicians observe. This ensures that the map’s accuracy is constantly being improved and new information is integrated promptly.
• Entering information right at the point of observation directly on the map. This reduces the likelihood of errors and ensures accurate and up-to-date records.
• Sharing annotated maps with colleagues and back-office team, instantly. This facilitates better communication, as everyone involved can access the most recent field observations and updates, ensuring that all stakeholders rely on the latest information to work.
• Enhancing collaboration among field teams, engineering, and back-office staff. Annotations made on the map provide clear visual context to reduce misunderstandings and promote seamless teamwork.

This feature empowers technicians to contribute to map accuracy, revolutionize how they manage and update information on the map, and propel organizations into a new era of efficiency and collaboration, all within the OverIT FSM mobile app.

Impact & KPIs

• Streamlining field operations
• Fostering collaboration across the organization
• Expediting field data collection
• Saving time and costs