Project and facility managers have a new tool to help them manage their work: SiteMap® (patent pending), powered by GPRS.
Where previously there were only physical, outdated maps there is now a cloud-based infrastructure mapping software solution that you can access anytime from your computer, tablet, or mobile device. Where previously data was siloed and hard to share between teams, SiteMap® allows you to plan, design, dig, and ultimately build better with a single source of truth.
Within SiteMap® your data can be reviewed, shared… and annotated.
In the AEC industries, some annotations are called specifications (also known as specs), These annotations are how architects, engineers, and GCs provide the necessary background on how a structure was built. They include the materials used and how they were installed. The annotations in SiteMap® serve as a bridge between the physical world and the digital realm where the data in SiteMap® lies. They allow GPRS Project Managers and users to attach the same important spec information, tagged directly to specific locations, drawings, maps, and models within their SiteMap® jobs. SiteMap® annotations could also include details about equipment, maintenance records, safety protocols, dangers, and much more.
SiteMap® provides basic annotations, which can be viewed by clicking on a data point within your Map Viewer. These tell you things like the exact location of the utility when it was first recorded, and more.
You can also submit your own annotations, which SiteMap® team members will incorporate into your data within hours.
Enhancing Communication
Annotations foster effective communication among team members. By providing a platform for sharing information, they ensure that everyone has access to the same data. This reduces misunderstandings and promotes collaboration. A well-informed team is an efficient and safe one.
It’s well known that using tools to communicate is a smart move for the overall livelihood of the project and the results. In fact:
- 79% of people who primarily use a project management tool to communicate with co-workers say it leads to improved internal communication
- 73% of people say it leads to better internal efficiency
- 62% of people say it delivers an increased rate of project success.
- 52% of people say it leads to improved client communication
- 41% of people say it leads to a better customer experience
- 27% of people associate it with better employee well-being
When it comes to something as important as understanding where subsurface utilities and infrastructure are, it makes sense to foster communication in any way possible. SiteMap® and its annotations could easily be considered a project management tool when used correctly.
Streamlining Operations
With the proper use of annotations, facility managers can streamline their operations. For example, maintenance teams can quickly locate facilities and access their service history. This reduces downtime and improves efficiency. SiteMap® makes it easy to store information about your facilities, and even easier to understand the information stored.
SiteMap®, and especially GPRS, can do some amazing things. For instance, GPRS has innovated a new application for some of its technology. By 3D laser scanning an area where a thorough, SIM-certified GPR concrete scan and mark-out has been conducted, the in-house Mapping & Modeling Team can merge the data from the concrete scan markings with millimeter-accurate 3D point cloud data to create a comprehensive 3D model containing everything that GPR has detected within the slab (or underground, when doing a GPR utility locate) as objects in 3D. When you combine annotations with amazing features such as this, you’ll have a comprehensive and detailed view that is sure to keep everyone on the same page and as informed as possible.
Improving Safety
Safety is a paramount concern for SiteMap® and GPRS. We strive to build tools that would help increase safety for all job sites, facilities, and municipalities across the nation. According to the Common Ground Alliance's (CGA) 2022 DIRT report, there was a 12.35% increase in damages per construction spending between 2021-2022. Damage incidents are at a three-year high, up by about 10,000 incidents compared to 2021. As more projects break ground, it becomes ever more important to mitigate the dangers that subsurface damage pose to your budget, your workers, and the surrounding community.
Annotations can be used to highlight safety threats, equipment shut-off points, and other components that workers and the project manager would need to be aware of, helping to create a safer work environment. The more information that is provided, the safer a workspace can be.
Better Record Keeping
Annotations aren’t just helpful for the past and present, but also for the future. Consider annotations to be like notes taken in a class. While they’re helpful to take in the present, they may also help benefit your future, especially if the annotation contains information that seems insignificant at the time but could later prove to be useful. Even annotations mentioning a slight shift in a rock formation could hold the key to an earthquake later on. It’s a butterfly effect, with the smallest annotations holding the greatest possibilities. Because of this, annotations are an excellent asset for record-keeping, allowing you to note extras, even if they don’t seem relevant now.
SiteMap® represents the next evolution of GPRS as we strive to keep your projects on time, your budget intact, and your people safe. Backed by GPRS’ damage prevention, existing condition documentation, and project & facility management services, SiteMap® is a single source of truth that allows you to plan, design, dig, and ultimately build better.
Click below to learn more and sign up for your live SiteMap® demo today!
