Construction Forecast Issue Home

March 30, 2000

GIS maps a new way to do construction

As Geographical Information Systems gain popularity, more construction industry professionals want the lowdown on how to use it.

GIS allows the user to track data in a variety of software applications. The University of Washington’s College of Engineering and Environmental Systems Research Institute’s software is written so that most construction management software can be used in the GIS so a contractor or owner does not have to worry about learning something new. The contractor can use any database or spreadsheet or proprietary software to track changes. As long as the location of the change can be found, that data can be put it into the GIS.

By JULIA SMITH
Sanders & Associates

Sanders & Associates, along with the University of Washington College of Engineering and Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), recently presented "Using GIS to Manage Your Construction Projects: New Tools for Old Problems," a seminar which focused on how to apply Geographical Information Systems, or GIS, technology to construction.

Attendees included representatives from local governments, ports and engineering firms. The range of GIS expertise was broad, from individuals who never had used GIS before to those using it on a daily basis.

Showing how GIS can help track, document and archive construction and facilities maintenance projects was the goal of the seminar, since engineering and construction companies rely heavily on visual tools such as AutoCAD or MicroStation.

"Most individuals involved in the technical arena of engineering are visually oriented," said Carol Sanders, president of Sanders & Associates. "The ability of a GIS to provide a visual map of the project and also access the most pertinent data is amazing."

The GIS allows the user to track data in a variety of software applications. ESRI’s software is written so that most construction management software can be used in the GIS so a contractor or owner does not have to worry about learning something new. The contractor can use any database or spreadsheet or proprietary software to track changes. As long as the location of the change can be found, that data can be put it into the GIS.

"(GIS) is a great tool for construction document tracking and reducing claims" said Greg Kitz, principal of GPK Associates, a construction consulting firm. The advantage is that the GIS can be used to show the "as built" condition of the project as well as store most all the construction documentation.

Our firm is using GIS on the two and a half year project for redevelopment of Terminal 18 in Seattle. The project is led by one of the nation’s largest heavy civil construction firms, Morrison Knudsen Corp. The redevelopment will include greatly expanding and enhancing the marine shipping facilities. Morrison Knudsen is committed to keeping this busy port facility operable while making major changes to improve road and rail access. This design-build project is being completed for SSA Terminals, a major Port of Seattle tenant on Harbor Island.

The GIS enables Sanders & Associates to track the work done by survey crews on a daily basis. Sanders & Associates staff track the work performed and the survey requests.The GIS used at T-18 lets users import data files taken while surveying with a data collector. This allows the user to view where each of the survey crews was on a particular day, or view them together to determine which areas were recently surveyed.

The internal use of the GIS facilitates the management of an enormous database of coordinates collected by the field crews on a daily basis. By integrating the visual representation of the points with photographs of specific places of interest, the user has instant access to the visual location, survey data and visual image with the click of a button.

The use of hand-held personal digital assistants that incorporate GIS was of particular interest to Morrison Knudsen and the workshop participants.

ESRI’s ArcPad software, due out at the end of March, is an easy-to-use, low-cost solution for handheld mapping and GIS. Windows CE devices can be used with GIS so that field engineers can track a job on a low-cost device. The data used within ArcPad is easily converted from existing files in the desktop version of the GIS. Furthermore, any information that is entered into the handheld device can be brought into the "master GIS" on the desktop PC and back into the original database and/or map.

Although knowing about the latest and greatest technologies enhancing GIS is important, it is not proof that all construction projects are appropriate for GIS.

Throughout the seminar, one key issue was mentioned repeatedly: is GIS right for my project? This question can be scrutinized in a traditional economical cost-benefit analysis, but there are other concerns.

There are hardware, software, and technical expertise matters to consider, but one must also consider the project particulars. The magnitude and duration of the project is one key component. Another key point to keep in mind is the access to data. Since GIS requires either a map or drawing with associated data, the form and availability of the data to the organization designing the GIS is crucial.

Other issues to consider:

• The project should have a minimum duration of at least six months, depending upon the complexity of the data. The duration of the project determines the amount of data and customization desired. In general, the more complex the data, the shorter the minimum duration;

• The project should be data intensive - in general, most construction projects are data intensive;

• The project should lend itself to visual representation. If a picture is the most descriptive way to communicate between project proponents then GIS will assist in increasing communication; and

• Are there specific questions that can be posed? Such as - when was that column built? Who was the inspector working in this area on this date?

Most people are getting familiar with "point and click" applications. GIS brings the simplicity of a point and click interface to most construction project managers. Coupled with being customizable for each project, GIS also is extremely adaptable to construction projects.