Viable option. Innovative National Grid project...

12 August 2009, 11:29am

Image above: National Grid contract partners, Balfour Beatty, achieve consistent cm accurate data in the field using a Trimble R8 and FastMap Tablet ‘As Laid’ data capture software

Viable option. Innovative National Grid project
brings volume order for Trimble cm accurate mapping systems

Following the successful completion of a regional pilot project, Liverpool based KOREC has won an order from National Grid’s contract partners, AMEC, Balfour Beatty, Morgan Est and Skanska for 25 Trimble R8 RTK GPS Rovers with FastMAP Tablet ‘As-Laid’ data capture software.

The systems will be used on National Grid’s on-going gas mains replacement programme covering approximately 1858km of pipeline across the North West, West Midlands, East of England and North London regions. Their sale marks an exciting trend as cm accuracy GPS systems become a viable and cost-effective solution for mapping applications through advances in Trimble’s GPS technology and developments in FastMap data collection software.

PILOT PROJECT
The regional pilot project allowed National Grid and participating partner Balfour Beatty, to ensure that the projected new system would provide a fast, accurate and easy to use method of surveying As-Laid and Abandoned Gas pipelines whilst reducing process cycle times and exactly replicating existing workflow procedures.

The pilot project included a thorough testing of Trimble’s VRS Now Service. All National Grid’s partners are now achieving consistent cm accurate data in the field by subscribing to this service which provides instant access to real time GPS corrections without the need or additional cost of a base station.

The trial was also used to customise the FastMap Tablet ‘As-Laid’ data capture software exactly to National Grid’s requirements. The end result is a solution which allows the digital display of existing pipeline asset data against an OS MasterMap background whilst offering an extensive feature code library replicating National Grid’s existing symbology and workflows. These software enhancements mean that for the first time, National Grid’s partners can verify and issue the completed survey drawing on-site. Engineers can survey new pipe positions and record attributes in a managed customised form and also identify and draw abandoned pipes on a separate overlay. Even ‘duplicate points’ can be accurately recorded along the pipe to ensure integrity of features such as valves and service connections.

“The success of the pilot project clearly showed us that by adopting this style of working we can significantly reduce rework, produce faster, accurate and more consistent As-Laid and abandoned drawings and reduce GIS data processing time,” explains National Grid Project Manager, Andrew Hutchinson. “Ultimately our collection of highly accurate GPS positions and detailed attribute information could mean a reduction in unnecessary trial-holes and excavations and even herald the introduction of new techniques like ‘Key Hole Surgery’ on the Gas Network which means shorter job times, minimal damage to the environment and reduced traffic disruption.”

www.korecgroup.com

GeoConnexion UK