Highway Agency contractors adopt GPS technology

12 July 2007, 8:51am

Highway Agency contractors Optima adopt GPS technology

Midlands road users can look forward to improved roads in the future thanks to the introduction of Trimble’s GPS mapping technology to record road defects in the ‘Area 11’ highway network. Covering Coventry, Warwickshire, Staffordshire and parts of Leicestershire, the area is managed by Highway Agency contractors Optima, a joint venture between two of the UK’s leading providers of Highway Management Services, Atkins and Accord.

Working only for the Highways Agency, Optima has recently purchased four handheld Trimble GeoXM systems capable of 1-3m accuracy and two Trimble GeoXT systems capable of sub metre accuracy, all with FastMap Mobile data capture software on-board from Trimble’s UK distributor, KOREC.

The new systems will be used to locate data to feed into Optima’s already successful RMMS (Routine Maintenance Management System). Located data will be used to create a database to manage tactical diversion route signing surveys, Category 2 carriageway defects (non-hazardous defects such as overgrown vegetation and carriageway cracks), detailed carriageway inspections and marker post surveys. Existing inventory items will also be verified using the new systems.

Optima RMMS Manager/Area Engineer Jon Lee explains the benefits. “Our mission is to be the Highways Agency's best supplier of integrated Managing Agent Contractor (MAC) services and that means adopting the latest technology and work practices where they can really bring benefit to our client. Previously we were carrying out surveys using two people, a road wheel and a conventional network chainage system. Captured data was downloaded into notepad format and then converted for loading into RMMS – only then could the data be successfully read. Since the introduction of the Trimble units at the end of last year, we have collected in excess of 1000 tactical diversion route signs, 1500 Category 2 defects and 500 marker posts. The FastMap software means that we can create ‘pick lists’ on our office system, tailored specifically to our survey requirements, which can then be taken out into the field. This cuts down on error and ensures accuracy of entered information as well as allowing us to collect a more diverse range of objects and attributes. The FastMap software also means that for the first time we can get a fast, readable download of survey reports which easily convert to user friendly Excel files. In short, including processing time, we are operating twice as fast!”

Once collected, data and any digital photographs taken can be downloaded into Atkins’ GIS System where data is visible to all those who have access – for example, all mapped network defects can be accessed by supervisors for rectifying or designers to incorporate into schemes. Importantly the Highways Agency can have confidence that their network is being successfully managed.

Jon concludes, “It really is a smooth operation! The Trimble GPS and FastMap software were extremely easy to use. All equipment came from KOREC with the software already loaded and a days training was all that was needed to get us up and running. If there have been any queries, the KOREC help desk has been fast to answer our questions. We have recently demonstrated the system to Area 7 managed by AmScott to share industry best practice.”

www.korecgroup.com

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