industry insights

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of informational output is provided when GPRS conducts a utility locate?

Our Project Managers flag and paint our findings directly on the surface. This method of communication is the most accurate form of marking when excavation is expected to commence within a few days of service.

GPRS also uses a global positioning system (GPS) to collect data points of findings. We use this data to generate a plan, KMZ file, satellite overlay, or CAD file to permanently preserve results for future use. GPRS does not provide land surveying services. If you need land surveying services, please contact a professional land surveyor. Please contact us to discuss the pricing and marking options your project may require.

Can you find PVC piping and other non-conductive utilities?

GPR scanning is exceptionally effective at locating all types of subsurface materials. There are times when PVC pipes do not provide an adequate signal to ground penetrating radar equipment and can’t be properly located by traditional methods. However, GPRS Project Managers are expertly trained at multiple methods of utility locating.

What to Expect When OSHA Inspects Your Job Site: A Comprehensive Guide

The thought of an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspection can send shivers down the spine of many employers.

The fear of heavy fines, potential citations, and the unknown aspects of the inspection process can make even the most diligent business owner uneasy. However, understanding what to expect during an OSHA inspection and how to prepare for one can greatly reduce the anxiety surrounding it and help ensure a clean inspection.

OSHA's primary mission is to “assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.” While this mission is undoubtedly positive, many employers fear the day OSHA shows up at their door unannounced. This fear often stems from uncertainty or a lack of preparation. Here, we'll break down what you can expect during an OSHA inspection and how you can prepare to ensure a smooth process.

An inspector and construction worker wearing personal protective equipment and talking on a job site. — Understanding what to expect during an OSHA inspection and how to prepare for one can greatly reduce the anxiety surrounding it and help ensure a clean inspection.

OSHA’s Inspection Priorities: Why They Might Show Up

OSHA doesn’t have enough inspectors to visit every workplace in the United States, so they prioritize inspections based on a “worst first” approach. This means they focus on industries and companies with higher risks, such as those with hazardous occupations or a history of violations. The typical reasons OSHA may choose to inspect your job site include:

Imminent Danger: Situations that could cause death or serious physical harm
Fatality or Catastrophic Incident: Following up on serious incidents that have occurred
Complaints and Referrals: Often the result of employee complaints or referrals from onsite contractors
Targeted Inspections: Industries or companies targeted due to known hazards
Follow-Up Inspections: Verifying that previously cited violations have been corrected

In industries with high-risk activities like confined-space entry or trenching, OSHA inspections are more common due to the inherent dangers involved.

The Unannounced Arrival: Be Prepared

One of the most unsettling aspects of an OSHA inspection is that it’s typically unannounced. While you do have the legal right to refuse entry, this often results in the inspector returning with a search warrant. Cooperation from the start is usually the best course of action, as it sets a positive tone for the inspection and can influence the outcome favorably.

If an inspector shows up, the first step they will take is to hold an opening conference. During this meeting, they will explain the purpose of the inspection and outline the areas they wish to examine. It’s crucial to have a member of management present at this conference, and you should always check the inspector’s identification, which will include a USDOL ID card with a photo and serial number.

Documentation Is Key: Keep Records Updated

During the opening conference, the inspector will likely request to see various records, including injury/illness logs, safety policies, training records, equipment inspection records, and other documents relevant to the inspection. Keeping accurate and up-to-date records is essential, as these documents provide evidence of your commitment to safety and compliance with OSHA standards.

Stick to the Scope: Avoid Volunteering Extra Information

Once the inspection begins, it’s important to adhere strictly to the areas specified by the inspector. Offering a plant tour or volunteering additional information, even if you believe your site is fully compliant, is not advisable. The inspector is required to cite any violations they observe in “plain view,” so expanding the scope of the inspection could lead to additional citations.

Employee Cooperation: Honesty Is Crucial

During the inspection, the OSHA officer may interview employees, take photographs, conduct instrument readings, and take notes. It’s important that your employees understand the importance of honesty during these interviews. Any attempt to mislead or withhold information from the compliance officer could result in stiffer penalties and potentially even civil penalties against the company.

Be Present During the Inspection: Follow the Inspector

As an employer or manager, you have the right to accompany the inspector throughout the job site. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your cooperation and to document any findings or violations that the inspector points out. If the inspector identifies any violations, ask for clarification on how to correct them, and if possible, correct the issue immediately. This proactive approach shows good faith and can positively influence the inspector’s final report.

The Closing Conference: Understanding the Next Steps

Once the inspection is complete, the officer will hold a closing conference. During this meeting, they will discuss any issues they observed and give you the opportunity to ask questions. They will also inform you of any citations they are recommending and the timeframes within which you must correct the noted problems. It’s important to remember that the actual citations and any associated fines will be determined by the area director, not the inspector.

The factors that influence the amount of the fines include:

Nature of the Violation: How severe the violation is
History of Violations: Previous citations may lead to higher fines
Good-Faith Efforts: Demonstrating a commitment to safety and correcting violations promptly
Size of Your Operation: Smaller businesses may receive reduced fines

If you wish to contest any fines or citations, you must do so within 15 business days of receiving the official paperwork.

Close-up of a white hardhat emblazoned with the words ‘Safety Always On Our Radar’. — GPRS is committed to helping make your job site as safe as it can be.

Turning an Inspection Into a Positive Experience

While an OSHA inspection can be daunting, it doesn’t have to be a negative experience. In fact, it can serve as an opportunity to identify and correct potential hazards before they result in serious injury or even death. By approaching the inspection with a cooperative attitude, maintaining accurate records, and demonstrating a commitment to safety, you can greatly increase the chances of a clean inspection.

OSHA inspectors are there to ensure that workplaces are safe for employees. If you show good faith in correcting any violations they find, they are likely to work with you to resolve the issues. In the long run, a positive relationship with OSHA and a proactive approach to workplace safety can protect your employees and your business from the consequences of non-compliance.

By preparing ahead of time, staying calm during the inspection, and addressing any issues promptly, you can ensure that your next OSHA inspection is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

GPRS is committed to helping make your job site as safe as it can be, both through our suite of subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation and construction & facilities project management services, as well as through the variety of safety initiatives we sponsor and host. At GPRS, we Intelligently Visualize The Built World^® to keep you and your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does GPRS Perform S.U.E. Work?

Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) reduces the risk and improves the accuracy of subsurface utility readings. It is broken down into four levels of quality, governed by ASCE Standard 38-02. GPRS does not provide engineering services. If you need professional engineering services, please contact a professional engineer. GPRS does not perform SUE work, but our utility locating and mapping services support SUE at QL-B.

How quickly can GPRS respond to an emergency need?

Because we have a nationwide team of SIM and NASSCO-certified Project Managers, GPRS can respond within 24-48 hours of contact, in most circumstances, to an emergency need. Click here for an online quote form.

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Washington State Department of Ecology Announces $309 Million in Clean Water Project Funding

The Washington State Department of Ecology recently announced a round of grants and loans to support new clean water projects and ongoing infrastructure investments.

The $309 million in funding will support 136 projects, including stream restoration on the Touchet River near Prescott and engineered wetlands providing stormwater treatment in Ferndale, according to a press release on the department’s website.

“Our top priority is to support communities,” said Water Quality Program Manager, Vince McGowan. “Across Washington, we are using innovative ideas to help put money to work faster and with greater benefits. We are excited to support clean water pilot projects that are already proving successful and to continue trying new approaches.”

Hands with water pouring out of them into a stream. — Washington’s clean water funding includes both state and federal funds - $40 million of which come from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – dedicated to improving and protecting water quality.

Washington’s clean water funding includes both state and federal funds – $40 million of which come from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – dedicated to improving and protecting water quality.

According to the department’s press release, this year’s project list includes new approaches to its clean water funding work: a pilot process where communities can apply for wastewater funding outside of the annual funding cycle.

“Through off-cycle planning, Ecology will work with communities or utilities that have an urgent need for funding wastewater planning projects,” the release states. “This could include post-emergency recovery efforts from natural disaster or projects that have received funding from other sources but still need to meet some of Ecology’s prerequisites.”

The first project funded under this pilot program will see Ecology provide $60,000 to help the Town of Metaline Falls update their general sewer plan, with a focus on identifying and replacing aging infrastructure to prevent future emergencies.

“This investment will help the community make necessary progress on wastewater and stormwater infrastructure improvements and better protect the Pend Oreille River,” the press release states.

Additionally, this year’s clean water funding list incorporates an Environmental Justice Assessment for grant or loan projects over $12 million, as required under Washington’s HEAL Act.

These assessments provide the department an opportunity to evaluate a wide range of environmental justice impacts that an action may have in the early developmental stages of the process, with the goal of helping the department and its partners make informed decisions to reduce environmental harms and address environmental and health disparities in overburdened communities.

Six wastewater-related projects selected as part of this round of funding require environmental justice assessments, which the department says it will finish in the coming months and prior to finalizing each project’s funding agreement.

The bulk of the funding ($255 million) is earmarked for wastewater projects, and 28 of them will occur in communities eligible for financial hardship consideration.

“Given the critical service that wastewater treatment facilities provide, Ecology prioritizes supporting the planning, design, and construction of these facilities, particularly in areas where these investments would create a financial burden for residents,” the release states.

A full list of all 136 projects is available both as an interactive map and in the final offer list publication.

Washington’s Department of Ecology accepts clean water project applications every August through October. More information about the application process can be found on the department’s clean water funding webpage.

Protecting Your Water Project from Subsurface Damage

Protecting your existing water and wastewater infrastructure from damage during excavation is vital to protecting the communities these systems serve.

GPRS helps prevent utility strikes by mapping subsurface utilities for you prior to you breaking ground – so you know where you can and can’t safely dig.

Using state-of-the-art technology such as ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic (EM) locating, and remote-controlled sewer pipe inspection rovers, our SIM and NASSCO-certified Project Managers Intelligently Visualize The Built World^® to keep you on time, on budget, and safe.

To ensure seamless sharing of the vital infrastructure visualization services we provide, GPRS created SiteMap^® (patent pending): our project & facility management application that provides accurate existing condition documentation to protect your assets and people.

Compatible with your existing GIS platform and accessible 24/7 from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, SiteMap^® provides you with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you, your team, and your subcontractors are all working off the same accurate data. With SiteMap^®, you can plan, design, manage, dig, and build better.

Every GPRS client receives a complimentary SiteMap^® Personal subscription with every utility locate we conduct.

GPRS SiteMap® team members are currently scheduling live, personal SiteMap® demonstrations. Click below to schedule your demo today!

Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week Returns

GPRS is committed to assisting municipalities, facility managers, and similar entities in enhancing the maintenance and protection of their water and wastewater infrastructure. With that goal in mind, we are thrilled to announce that the second annual Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week will take place from October 21-25, 2024.

By participating in a complimentary WSDAW presentation, your team will gain insights into:

The increased vulnerability of infrastructure to damage in today’s environment
The risks posed to your systems’ equipment due to improper or infrequent maintenance
The importance of regular water loss surveys and proactive maintenance plans for water, sewer, and stormwater systems to prevent service interruptions and safeguard your entity’s reputation
Strategies to minimize non-revenue water (NRW) loss, protecting both your community and financial resources
Methods to mitigate the risks associated with cross bores
And much more!

Don’t miss this opportunity – Sign up for your free WSDAW presentation today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of informational output is provided when GPRS conducts a utility locate?

Can GPRS find PVC piping and other non-conductive utilities?

Can GPRS locate a pipe in addition to evaluating its integrity?

Yes! Our SIM and NASSCO-certified Project Managers use VPI technology equipped with sondes, which are instrument probes that allow them to ascertain the location of underground utilities from an inaccessible location. This allows them to use electromagnetic (EM) locating to map sewer systems while evaluating them for defects.

Can Solar Power Solve America's Power Supply Shortfalls?

As the United States continues to grapple with power supply shortfalls, particularly during periods of extreme demand and adverse weather conditions, the potential of solar power as a solution has come under increased scrutiny.

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has highlighted significant risks of electricity shortages across much of North America during the summer months, largely driven by the increased electrification of the economy, the retirement of conventional power plants, and the challenges posed by widespread heat events. Given these risks, it's crucial to explore whether solar power can be a reliable and sufficient solution to America's power supply issues.

A construction worker installing solar panels. — It's crucial to explore whether solar power can be a reliable and sufficient solution to America's power supply issues.

The Current Landscape: Growing Risks and Solar's Role

According to NERC’s 2024 Summer Reliability Assessment, many regions in the U.S. are at an elevated risk of power shortfalls during peak summer conditions. This risk is exacerbated by a combination of factors, including extreme weather, growing electricity demand due to factors like increased adoption of electric vehicles, and the retirement of traditional power generation assets. Solar power has played a significant role in mitigating some of these risks, with a record 25 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity added in the past year alone. However, the assessment also points out that solar power’s effectiveness is often limited during critical periods, such as late afternoon and evening hours when solar generation diminishes but demand remains high.

Solar power contributes significantly to the grid, especially during sunny days when demand is high. However, its variability—particularly its decline in output as the sun sets—poses a challenge during periods of peak electricity demand. This limitation is a significant concern for grid operators, especially in regions like Texas and California, where solar power constitutes a large portion of the energy mix. Without sufficient backup from other energy sources, these areas remain vulnerable to supply shortfalls during periods of low solar output.

The Potential of Solar Power to Meet Demand

Solar power's potential to solve America’s energy shortfalls lies in its scalability and the rapidly decreasing costs of solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. Solar energy has the advantage of being a renewable and increasingly cost-effective source of electricity, with the U.S. Department of Energy projecting that solar could power up to 40% of the nation’s electricity needs by 2035. This ambitious goal would require a massive scale-up of solar infrastructure, including the integration of advanced energy storage systems to address solar’s intermittent nature.

Energy storage, particularly in the form of batteries, is crucial to making solar power a more reliable source of energy. By storing excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours, batteries can provide power during periods when solar generation is low, such as during the night or on cloudy days. The combination of solar power and storage solutions could potentially address some of the grid reliability concerns highlighted by NERC, particularly in areas prone to extreme weather.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the promise of solar power, several challenges must be addressed to fully realize its potential in solving power supply shortfalls. One of the primary concerns is the need for substantial investment in grid infrastructure to accommodate the integration of large-scale solar power. This includes upgrading transmission networks to handle the increased load and ensuring that solar installations are resilient to grid disturbances.

Moreover, the variability of solar power means that it cannot be relied upon as the sole solution for meeting peak electricity demand. NERC’s assessment emphasizes the importance of maintaining a diverse energy mix, including natural gas and other dispatchable energy sources, to ensure grid reliability during periods when solar output is insufficient. The assessment also points to the need for enhanced coordination between gas and electric systems to manage supply shortfalls effectively.

Another critical factor is the speed at which solar power can be deployed. While solar installations are growing rapidly, the pace of deployment must accelerate to meet the increasing demand for electricity and replace retiring conventional power plants. Policymakers and industry leaders must work together to streamline permitting processes, incentivize solar adoption, and invest in research and development to improve solar technologies and storage solutions.

A Partial Solution with Great Potential

Solar power holds significant potential to contribute to America's energy needs, particularly as part of a broader strategy to diversify the energy mix and enhance grid resilience. However, it is not a silver bullet for the nation’s power supply challenges. To effectively address the risks identified by NERC, a combination of strategies is required, including continued investment in solar power, the expansion of energy storage capacity, and the retention of reliable, dispatchable power sources.

In the face of growing electricity demand and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, solar power can play a crucial role in mitigating some of the risks to the power grid. However, to ensure a stable and reliable energy supply, solar power must be integrated into a well-planned and diversified energy system that includes other renewable sources, storage technologies, and conventional generation. By doing so, America can move closer to a sustainable and resilient energy future while minimizing the risks of power supply shortfalls.

GPRS has served the power and renewable energy industries throughout our 23-year history. We provide subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and construction & facilities project management services to keep you and your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can GPR differentiate between different objects embedded within concrete?

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) can usually differentiate between rebar, electrical conduit, post tension cables, rebar, and other objects that may be embedded within your concrete slab.

In addition to GPR, GPRS’ SIM-certified Project Managers can use electromagnetic (EM) locators to determine the location of conduits in the concrete. If we can transmit a signal onto the metal conduit, we can locate it with pinpoint accuracy. We can also find the conduit passively if a live electrical current runs through it.

What type of informational output is provided when GPRS conducts a utility locate?

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Homeowners Displaced, Residence Damaged After Contractor Strikes Water Main

Officials are still trying to determine the identity of the contractor who struck a 30-inch water main while doing work in an Edison, New Jersey neighborhood August 13.

According to an article on the local NBC affiliate’s website, the break sent a geyser of water shooting up onto the roof of a house consisting of two single-family homes. The water damaged the roof on the right side of the residence, leading to the evacuation of the entire building. In a Facebook post, Edison Mayor Sam Joshi said that no one was injured in the incident and nearby residents were not expected to have water flow disrupted due to the damaged line being separate from the residential distribution system.

A geyser of water dousing a house. — Edison, New Jersey Mayor Sam Joshi posted this photo on Facebook after a contractor struck a 30-inch water main while doing work in a local neighborhood. The water damaged the home to the point where the owner had to find somewhere else to stay while repairs could be completed.

Joshi added that his office is working to determine the identity of the contractor who caused the damage, and which company they were working for.

“The home obviously cannot be occupied,” Joshi said. “I’ve spoken to the resident, she said she was gonna find another place to [stay]. Again, no one was injured, but it took a couple of hours for the water main break to slow down because there were a lot of valves that had to be shut off.”

Middlesex Water Company, which owns and operates the main that was damaged, told the local ABC affiliate that the contractor who hit the water main was not working for them during the time of the incident. The company said it is reviewing the matter.

“Repairs are still continuing, and the road remains closed,” the water company said in a statement. “We anticipate having the road re-opened tomorrow mid-day and that the main will be returned to service by Friday mid-day.”

Elizabethtown Gas, which owns the gas lines in the area, said in a statement that the contractor who caused the damage was not working for them either.

“The Fire Department alerted Elizabethtown Gas about the incident last night and asked Elizabethtown Gas to shut off the gas to two houses for safety reasons,” the company said in a statement. “Elizabethtown Gas and our contractors did not have any crews working in Edison [on August 13], when the incident occurred. Our priority is always the safety of the customers and the communities we serve.”

Srujana Panda, a nearby resident, said the incident left them and their neighbors terrified.

“It was coming at a certain angle,” Panda told the ABC affiliate. “If it came at another angle, it could’ve hit any of these other houses.”

Frank Adinolfe, whose home is attached to the damaged house, said he raced outside when he heard the water gushing.

“I was afraid if I opened the door, we would see a lot of water,” Adinolfe said. “But no water at all, so we really lucked out. But my neighbor really got it next door to us.”

GPRS Services Help Prevent Utility Strikes

Whether it’s a 30-inch water main or a gas line, striking an underground utility while digging can endanger you, your team, and the surrounding community.

GPRS helps prevent utility strikes by mapping subsurface utilities for you prior to you breaking ground – so you know where you can and can’t safely dig.

But even our 99.8%+ accurate utility locating services can’t help you if you aren’t able to easily share that data with everyone working on site. That’s why GPRS created SiteMap^® (patent pending), our project & facility management application that provides accurate existing condition documentation to protect your assets and people.

The best part: every GPRS client receives a complimentary SiteMap^® Personal subscription with every utility locate we conduct.

GPRS SiteMap^® team members are currently scheduling live, personal SiteMap^® demonstrations. Click below to schedule your demo today!

Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week Returns

GPRS aims to help municipalities, facility managers, and more enhance their water & wastewater infrastructure maintenance and protection planning. To that end, we are excited to announce that the second annual Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week will run October 21-25, 2024.

During your free WSDAW presentation, your team will learn:

Why your infrastructure is more vulnerable to damage than ever before
The risks to your systems’ equipment posed by improper/infrequent maintenance
How routine water loss surveys, and proactive water, sewer, and stormwater system maintenance plans eliminate service interruptions and maintain your entity’s reputation
How to keep non-revenue water (NRW) loss from hurting your community and your bottom line
How to mitigate the risks of cross bores
And more!

Click here to sign up for your free WSDAW presentation today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of informational output is provided when GPRS conducts a utility locate?

Can GPRS find PVC piping and other non-conductive utilities?

Can GPRS locate a pipe in addition to evaluating its integrity?

Yes! Our SIM- and NASSCO-certified Project Managers use VPI technology equipped with sondes, which are instrument probes that allow them to ascertain the location of underground utilities from an inaccessible location. This allows them to use electromagnetic (EM) locating to map sewer systems while evaluating them for defects.

You can view the full slate of winners, here.

Third Annual Architecture & Interiors Awards Announced by Architect Magazine

Biophilic design, unexpected mixed-use neighborhoods, imaginative interior/exterior integrations, and unique adaptive reuse solutions all took prizes at the 2024 Architecture & Interior Awards.

Whether reimagining what mixed-use developments or adaptive reuse can look like, utilizing outdoor spaces to enhance indoor experiences, or creating something new that honors the flavor of the neighborhood it inhabits, the 2024 Architecture & Interiors Award winners prove that beauty and function are never mutually exclusive.

A jury of three notable voices in design: Ben Crawford of Omniplan, Dallas, John Frane of HGA, Los Angeles, and Brooke Horan of HDR, New York, were moderated by Paul Makovsky as they selected an eclectic slate of honorees to represent “a diverse range of commercial architecture and interior design projects showcasing innovation and ingenuity in all its forms” for Architect Magazine.

There were 34 awards in all: 11 projects won Honors awards and another 23 received Merit awards. The projects spanned the globe from the Honor award for the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, India to the mixed use project Die Macherie in Munich, Germany, from striking interior staircase Special Entry, FIXTURE Award honoree in New York City to the Theatre de Verdure in Montreal, and the astonishing use of indoor space by Honor award winner, the Neil Campbell Rowing Center, also in Canada (Ontario), the breadth and depth of talented architects, designers, engineers, and the developers and general contractors who executed their designs is apparent.

Below, you’ll find a quick overview of some of the winners and why they stood out among the thousands of new projects developed each year.

Kempegowda International Airport Terminal 2: Biophilic Design

Kempegowda International Airport Terminal 2 at night — The holistic biophilic design of the Kempegowda International Airport garnered Skidmore, Owings & Merrill a 2024 Honor Award for Government & Civic Building.

The fantastical sense of whimsy captured in Skidmore, Owings & Merrill’s design for Terminal 2 at the airport in Bengaluru evokes “a calming oasis for travelers… as well as a nod to Bengaluru’s reputation as the ‘garden city,’” with its use of biophilic design, developed with landscape architect Grant Associates, that includes “massive living walls and meandering paths to gardens of hanging planters” and even indoor waterfalls that serve to cool temperatures while providing meditative focal points.

The central design element of cross-laid, engineered bamboo adorns ceilings, covers structural elements, and is even used to clad the two-story pavilions on the site, evoking traditional Indian cane.

The execution of the award-winning design was Rs 5,000 crore ($595.986 million USD) sustainable project, completed in 2023, with general contractor Larson & Toubro bringing it to reality. The terminal also won the Indian Green Building Council Platinum Certification and is the largest terminal in the world to receive pre-certification as LEED Platinum by the USGBC.

What Is Biophilic Design?

Biophilic design provides the opportunity for people and nature to comingle in commercial spaces – bringing nature indoors, if you will – to promote looking beyond the human experience to focus on people’s place in the natural scheme of things.

Arts & Letters Creative Co.: Honoring the Past While Creating a Modern Space with Adaptive Reuse

ARCHTECTUREFIM's plan made the most of the industrial space while building a modern creative space. — The open floor plan design on the upper floors provides easy collaboration, while lower floors house quiet workspaces, dark rooms, production facilities, and screening rooms. Photo credit: *Architecture Magazine*

When you are adapting a historic building, especially converting a manufacturing site into an open-plan, collaborative space, striking the perfect balance between old and new while providing the modern infrastructure, MEP features, and functional elements required for a modern business can be a very heavy lift. However, ARCHITECTUREFIRM, partnering with AFK Group, Engineering Solutions, and GC DPR Construction made the very difficult project look easy.

The design makes the most of the natural light by preserving the industrial window design and adding skylights, and the exterior honors the building’s past – as a Lucky Strike Tobacco power plant, dating to the 1930s. By incorporating exposed beams and ceiling fans, white walls, and light wood details, the designers made the most of the industrial brick walls and steel structural elements to create an inviting space that allows creative juices to flow.

The 20,400 s.f. adaptive reuse project was completed in 2021 with a final cost of $3,822800 and houses the creative firm, Arts & Letters Creative Co.’s 160-person team.

Die Macherie: A Mixed-Use Neighborhood Full of Surprises

The Scandic Munchen Macherei is a 10-story hotel that looks like it is in motion thanks to innovative design. — The Scandic Munchen Macherei is arguably the crown jewel of this award-winning mixed-use neighborhood in Munich, Germany. Photo credit: *Architecture Magazine*

Multiple architectural firms collaborated to create Europe’s first LEED-GOLD neighborhood that includes a 10-story hotel, coworking spaces, retail shops, restaurants & entertainment, and offices that completely transformed a barren industrial tract into a “vibrant, emotionally engaging community.”

The design brainchild of HWKN Architecture, OSA, m3 Architekten, and Holger Meyer Architektur broke ground in 2019 with Dibauco as the general contractor, hired to bring to life 18,580.6 square meters of mixed-use space. The cost is confidential, but with so much unique development over some 200,000 s.f., its completion in 2022 had to have cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

The buildings share some common themes, like the brickwork exteriors that pay tribute to Munich’s brick-making past. Each structure has its own unique personality; none more so than the Scandic Munchen Macherie hotel that towers above the neighborhood layout that includes three “pedestrian canyons” clad in orange brick. The hotel’s façade feels like the building itself is in mid-motion, like a Rubic’s Cube that’s about to click into place at any second.

What is LEED Certification?

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The certification levels provide the most globally recognized rating system for green construction with over 197,000 projects throughout 186 countries and territories, and more than 29 billion square feet of buildings.

A LEED certification is a “globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership.”

There are four LEED certification levels: from Certified (green), through Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These levels are earned by adhering to strict sustainable construction standards that factor in carbon footprint, energy, water use, waste, and transportation, among others. A project can be LEED certified in almost any sector:

Building Design and Construction (BD+C)
Interior Design and Construction (ID+C)
Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M)
Neighborhood Development (ND)
Homes
Cities

Each of the 34 winners has a unique perspective on architecture and design, with many integrating structural design, interior design, and landscape design and engineering to create a seamless, holistic space.

The massive collaborative effort required to develop and realize such complex builds is testament to the individual talents of the architects, engineers, designers, and contractors involved, and also to the obvious emphasis put on pre-planning. Because without an intricate and precise pre-construction plan, that includes clash detection, exacting existing conditions documentation, and construction progress capture, any of these award-winning projects could have failed.

GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World® for customers throughout the U.S. What can we help you visualize?

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Risk Management in Infrastructure Construction: Building for Extreme Heat

General contractors and infrastructure planners need to scuttle any climate models that rely on stationary weather patterns and plan roads, bridges, and rails that can better withstand fire, floods, and flash-freezing events, according to the FHWA.

$10 million per mile. That’s how much it now costs to build a two-lane road in the U.S. When you factor the effects of extreme heat into the equation, the budget may be higher.

When you’re constructing a road, bridge, or railway, the ideas of risk mitigation and management usually come in the form of reducing accidents, clashes, and reworks during your build. However, the infrastructure construction industry increasingly looks at risk in terms of “resilience.” i.e., how the structures they build will stand up to changing climate conditions while providing safe passage for the millions of cars, trucks, and trains that utilize them daily.

Buckling & Melting Roads

Asphalt damage on a two lane highway — Asphalt and concrete buckling damages are on the rise across the U.S. due to extreme heat.

“Climate change is impacting roads in surprising ways, and contractors and engineers need to be prepared for extreme weather, sea level rise and hotter temperatures, said a panelist at the National Building Institute of Building Sciences’ Building Innovation Conference in Washington, D.C., on May 23,” according to Construction Dive.

There were 28 individual climate & weather-related events with a price tag in excess of $1 billion each in 2023 alone. 2023 set a new record for such events, continuing an upward trend, cautions the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

As a result, the Federal Highway Administration’s Amir Golalipour, a highway research engineer in the Office of Infrastructure Research and Development, cautions that general contractors and infrastructure planners need to scuttle any climate models that rely on stationary weather patterns and plan roads, bridges, and rails that can better withstand fire, floods, and flash-freezing events. Recently, Golalipour shared the following information with Construction Dive regarding the fact that flood immersion can weaken a roadway by as much as 50%.

“Just to put that in perspective, in the city of Paradise, [California], that was part of the Camp Fire, when they removed debris, the load that they put on the pavement in two weeks was equal to 20 years of traffic.” The Camp Fire (2018) is still considered the most destructive in California history.

10 years ago, the FHWA issued Order 5520, which provides guidance to the agency, departments of transportation, state and municipal planners, and contractors on climate risk mitigation. It also requires states to consider the potential risk of future climate conditions when creating asset management plans.

To help with climate risk mitigation planning, the FHWA has created a suite of tools and resources, which you can find here.

Rails & Bridges Feel the Heat, Too

In July of 2024, Kristina Dahl, the Principal Climate Scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists told NPR that “Heat affects all of these different types of infrastructure in different ways. For our cars and trucks that are running on asphalt roads, asphalt can deform or buckle when it’s extremely hot, so that can make road transportation difficult.”

“In terms of railroads, we know that rails can actually deform and buckle as well when it’s hot. Or if there are electric lines that the trains are connecting to overhead, those lines can sag. And that can cause problems for the trains and operators who have to sloe the trains down. When it comes to airplanes, there are a few different effects that can happen. The tarmac at our airports can deform when it’s hot, which causes problems as planes are trying to take off and land. But hot air also expands and becomes less dense. And, that makes it harder for airplanes to get to the level of thrust they need to be able to take off. So, when it’s really hot, all of these forms of transportation can be affected.”

Dahl went on to discuss how Amtrak has to slow its Northeast Corridor line to deal with the heat. Another infrastructure climate scientist, Dr. Suyun Paul Ham at The University of Texas at Arlington, recently wrote in a comprehensive piece on the subject of infrastructure and climate for The Conversation that Amtrak routinely slows its cars in the Northeast from its usual speeds to just 35 miles per hour once track temps reach or exceed 135 degrees Fahrenheit. At those temperatures, even the sturdiest steel can buckle, causing what are called “sun kinks,” which can quickly derail a train.

Railroad tracks bent into a wiggly pattern from extreme heat — An example of a "sun kink." Photo credit: The U.S. Department of Transportation

Just like steel rail lines can warp and kink, so too, can steel bridges. On July 8, 2024, the Third Avenue Bridge, a through-truss steel swing bridge, and the oldest in the region in its original form, became stuck in open position due to heat damage that kept the bridge from securely locking into place at the roadway. Firefighters brought tugboats into the river to spray the bridge down in an attempt to cool the expanded metal so it could close. While one could argue that the problem was due to the bridge’s age, the Third Street Bridge was partially rebuilt with new materials in 2004.

The Willis Ave. Bridge in New York City — The Willis Avenue Bridge in New York is an example of a steel swing bridge, like the Third Avenue Bridge in the Bronx.

What Are Infrastructure Professionals Doing to Combat Extreme Heat Damage?

When it comes to concrete, it has long been a practice to cut the pavement slabs into sections to allow space for the slab to expand and contract with temperatures in an attempt to avoid buckling. However, with heat in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit for days or weeks at a time, states from Texas to Minnesota have issued additional guidance for travelers and maintenance crews. Adding extra sealant-filled, single-cut joints may provide flexibility while remaining water resistant. And, taking care not to pour concrete during low temperature periods, with more resilient and durable concrete, may also help.

The problem is that water and steel reinforced concrete simply do not mix. The structure meant to strengthen the concrete roads and bridges can cause extensive interior damage to the slab before it is evident in a visual inspection, rendering any aging concrete structure at risk to concrete cancer.

In the railway space, replacing traditionally smelted steel with martensite or hypereuctectoid rail steel, and adjusting the design of tracks could help avoid buckling.

Meanwhile, several universities, like The Smart Infrastructure and Testing Laboratory at UTA, and governmental agencies like the Federal Department of Transportation and the FHWA are all sinking significant funds into finding new ways to combat extreme heat and create climate-durable infrastructure.

Whether you’re building roads, bridges, high-rises, or any concrete structure, GPRS can provide the concrete imaging services you need to help keep your project on time, on budget and safe. We Intelligently Visualize The Built World® for customers across the nation.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

How does GPRS provide accurate concrete imaging?

Ground Penetrating Radar Systems (GPRS) provides accurate concrete imaging by using ground penetrating radar waves to detect embedded objects, voids, and changes in material properties within concrete structures. The radar emits high-frequency radio waves into the concrete, and these waves bounce back upon hitting different materials such as rebar, conduits, or voids. By analyzing the time it takes for the signals to return and their strength, GPRS can create detailed images of the subsurface. This non-destructive method allows for precise identification of structural elements and potential hazards without damaging the concrete.

What is "concrete cancer," and how can it be repaired or stopped?

"Concrete cancer" refers to the deterioration of concrete due to the corrosion of the steel reinforcement within it. This occurs when water and oxygen penetrate the concrete, causing the steel to rust, expand, and crack the surrounding concrete. To repair or stop concrete cancer, the damaged concrete must be removed, and the corroded steel should be treated or replaced. Afterward, the area is patched with new concrete, and protective coatings can be applied to prevent further water ingress. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to mitigating the risk of concrete cancer.

The Importance of Protecting Vital Infrastructure from Natural Disasters and Strategies for Resilience

A Texas energy company’s ongoing response to Hurricane Beryl highlights the importance of strengthening our infrastructure against the threat of natural disasters.

According to an Underground Infrastructure article, Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently held a press conference in which he demanded CenterPoint Energy take immediate action to improve their hurricane preparation and response efforts following the power failures in the Greater Houston area related to Beryl.

Abbott also sent a letter to the Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Texas, instructing them to initiate an investigation into the utility company’s failure to restore power after Hurricane Beryl made landfall.

“First and foremost, Texas’ No. 1 goal is to protect life,” the Governor said. “An issue that we see in the ongoing response to Hurricane Beryl are life-based issues, not because of the hurricane itself, but because of the lack of power supply. The failure of power companies to provide power to their customers is unacceptable.”

Per Abbott’s direction, CenterPoint had until July 31 to provide his office with an action plan detailing how they will address current power issues and reduce the possibility that power is lost in the future.

CenterPoint must:

Provide in detail how it plans to remove all vegetation that threatens any power line
Specify how it will prepare in advance of any tropical storm that enters the Gulf Coast
Specify action it will take to pre-stage enough linemen and other personnel to be able to immediately respond to any power outages that may occur for any tropical storm that hits their service region

“CenterPoint has repeatedly failed to deliver power to its customers,” Abbott continued. “To help Texans in the Greater Houston area and to avoid a repeat of unacceptable power outages, I will give CenterPoint until the end of the month to provide my office with specific actions to address power outages and reduce the possibility that power will be lost during a severe weather event. If CenterPoint fails to comply, I will issue an Executive Order to impose actions on the company that are geared to keep the power on.”

Natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and wildfires pose significant threats to infrastructure worldwide. As climate change intensifies, the frequency and severity of these disasters are expected to increase, making it crucial for governments, businesses, and communities to prioritize the protection of vital infrastructure. This article explores the importance of safeguarding infrastructure and outlines effective strategies to enhance resilience against natural disasters.

Debris strewn over a parking lot. — These carports collapsed because of Hurricane Beryl, which recently ravaged large portions of Texas and caused power outages that lasted weeks.

The Critical Role of Infrastructure

Infrastructure serves as the backbone of modern society, encompassing essential services such as transportation networks, energy grids, water and sewage systems, communication networks, and healthcare facilities. These systems are fundamental to economic stability, public safety, and quality of life. When infrastructure is compromised by natural disasters, the impacts can be devastating, leading to loss of life, economic downturns, and prolonged recovery periods.

For instance, Hurricane Katrina in 2005 caused widespread devastation across the Gulf Coast of the United States, with significant damage to New Orleans’ levee system, transportation networks, and power grid. The hurricane’s aftermath revealed vulnerabilities in infrastructure planning and underscored the critical need for resilient infrastructure to withstand such events. Similarly, Hurricane Maria in 2017 left Puerto Rico’s power grid in shambles, resulting in months of outages that hindered recovery efforts and exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.

Given the increasing risks posed by natural disasters, protecting infrastructure is not just a matter of public safety—it is an economic imperative. The cost of rebuilding damaged infrastructure can be astronomical, often far exceeding the investment required to fortify it against potential disasters. Moreover, resilient infrastructure helps to minimize disruptions, enabling quicker recovery and reducing the overall economic impact of a disaster.

Understanding Vulnerabilities in Infrastructure

To effectively protect infrastructure from natural disasters, it is essential to understand the vulnerabilities that exist within these systems. Infrastructure is often interconnected, meaning that damage to one component can have cascading effects on others. For example, a damaged power grid can disrupt communication networks, water supply systems, and healthcare facilities, compounding the challenges of disaster response and recovery.

Vulnerabilities can stem from various factors, including:

Aging Infrastructure: Many countries face the challenge of aging infrastructure that was not designed to withstand the increased frequency and intensity of modern natural disasters.
Geographic Location: Infrastructure located in areas prone to hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes is inherently more vulnerable. Coastal cities, for example, are at higher risk from storm surges and rising sea levels.
Lack of Redundancy: Infrastructure systems that lack redundancy—alternative options to maintain services when primary systems fail—are more susceptible to prolonged disruptions.
Insufficient Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial to ensuring that infrastructure can withstand the stresses of a natural disaster. Neglected infrastructure is more likely to fail under pressure.

Strategies for Protecting Infrastructure

To mitigate the risks posed by natural disasters, it is essential to implement strategies that enhance the resilience of infrastructure. These strategies can be categorized into several key areas: risk assessment, design and construction, maintenance, and emergency preparedness.

1. Conducting Comprehensive Risk Assessments

Effective protection begins with understanding the specific risks that infrastructure faces. Conducting comprehensive risk assessments allows planners to identify vulnerabilities and prioritize areas that require fortification. These assessments should consider the likelihood and potential impact of various natural disasters based on historical data, climate projections, and geographic factors.

For example, in hurricane-prone regions, risk assessments might focus on the potential for storm surges, high winds, and flooding. In earthquake-prone areas, assessments would consider the risks of ground shaking and soil liquefaction. By understanding these risks, infrastructure managers can make informed decisions about where to allocate resources and how to design systems that can withstand these threats.

2. Implementing Resilient Design and Construction Practices

One of the most effective ways to protect infrastructure is to incorporate resilient design and construction practices from the outset. This involves using materials and techniques that can withstand the forces of natural disasters. For example:

Elevating Structures: In flood-prone areas, elevating buildings and infrastructure above expected flood levels can prevent water damage. This approach is commonly used in coastal cities to protect against storm surges.
Strengthening Foundations: In earthquake-prone regions, reinforcing the foundations of buildings and bridges can help them withstand ground shaking. Seismic retrofitting is a common practice for older structures that were not originally designed with earthquakes in mind.
Designing Redundant Systems: Creating redundancy in critical systems, such as power grids and communication networks, ensures that if one component fails, others can continue to operate. This is particularly important for maintaining essential services during and after a disaster.
Using Durable Materials: Selecting materials that are resistant to the specific hazards of a region can extend the lifespan of infrastructure and reduce the need for costly repairs. For instance, using corrosion-resistant materials in coastal areas can help protect against saltwater damage.

3. Regular Maintenance and Upgrades

Even the most resilient infrastructure can become vulnerable over time if it is not properly maintained. Regular inspections, maintenance, and upgrades are essential to ensure that systems remain in good condition and are capable of withstanding natural disasters. This includes:

Routine Inspections: Conducting regular inspections of infrastructure systems, such as bridges, roads, and power lines, helps identify potential issues before they become critical.
Proactive Repairs: Addressing wear and tear or minor damage early on can prevent more significant problems from developing. Proactive repairs are often more cost-effective than emergency repairs following a disaster.
Upgrading Older Systems: Retrofitting and upgrading older infrastructure to meet modern standards can significantly enhance resilience. This is particularly important for infrastructure that was built before the risks of climate change were fully understood.

4. Enhancing Emergency Preparedness

No matter how resilient infrastructure is, natural disasters can still cause disruptions. Therefore, emergency preparedness is a critical component of infrastructure protection. This involves:

Developing Emergency Plans: Creating detailed emergency response plans that outline procedures for maintaining and restoring critical infrastructure during and after a disaster.
Training Personnel: Ensuring that personnel are trained to respond effectively to emergencies, including coordinating with local authorities and other stakeholders.
Implementing Early Warning Systems: Utilizing early warning systems to provide advance notice of impending natural disasters, allowing for timely evacuation and protective measures.
Establishing Communication Protocols: Maintaining clear lines of communication between all stakeholders, including government agencies, utility providers, and the public, is essential for coordinating disaster response efforts.

A GPRS Project Manager using ground penetrating radar to scan a concrete pillar. — GPRS can help you prepare and protect your infrastructure from the dangers of a natural disaster, and swiftly collect data and assess your building or site following one of these events using a comprehensive suite of imaging and mapping services.

GPRS Services Aid Natural Disaster Recovery & Preparedness

Protecting vital infrastructure from natural disasters is a complex but essential task that requires proactive planning, investment, and collaboration.

As the frequency and intensity of natural disasters continue to rise, the importance of resilient infrastructure cannot be overstated. By conducting thorough risk assessments, implementing resilient design practices, maintaining infrastructure systems, and enhancing emergency preparedness, you can reduce the impact of natural disasters and ensure that our communities remain safe, functional, and resilient in the face of adversity.

In the aftermath of a natural disaster, conducting a rapid, detailed, and accurate infrastructure assessment is essential to obtain a clear and comprehensive understanding of the damage.

GPRS can help you prepare and protect your infrastructure from the dangers of a natural disaster, and swiftly collect data and assess your building or site following one of these events using the following scanning and mapping services:

3D Laser Scanning: The physical damage to buildings and infrastructure (such as residential and commercial buildings, as well as roads) can be accurately documented with 3D laser scanning. And this technology can be used to fully assess your infrastructure and analyze what steps you need to take to protect it from an event. 3D laser scanning captures every point of the structure or site, mapping it onto an XYZ coordinate system for precise visualization, removing the guesswork from decision-making. Critical data on existing conditions enables contractors and engineers to accelerate construction planning by using real-world building information as the foundation.

Utility Locating: Utility locating is essential for any construction project involving subsurface excavation both before and after a natural disaster. GPRS utilizes cutting-edge technology to provide the most precise and thorough information and mapping for water lines, gas lines, sanitary sewer lines, storm sewers, electrical lines, telecommunications, irrigation lines, abandoned lines, and underground storage tanks. Additionally, GPRS offers a complimentary .KMZ file and PDF with every outdoor utility location service we perform.

Video Pipe Inspection: Video pipe inspection (VPI) is a sewer inspection service that uses advanced video cameras to identify issues by examining underground water, sewer lines, and lateral pipelines. GPRS’ NASSCO-certified Project Managers can detect clogs, investigate cross bores, identify structural faults and damage, and conduct lateral sewer line inspections.

Concrete Scanning: Considering the risks involved in concrete drilling, GPRS Project Managers employ a range of technologies to ensure safe zones for core drilling and anchoring. Our scanning and imaging services can be conducted on any surface, including concrete slabs, walls, columns, and beams. Upon completing the scan, you’ll receive a clear layout of critical obstacles such as post-tension cables, rebar, beams, and conduits.

Identify Subsurface Voids: Identifying hidden subsurface voids is critical to preventing major failures following a natural disaster. Voids beneath roadways and concrete present significant hazards, making it essential to detect their presence, location, and size. GPR technology has advanced to the point where the subsurface conditions of roadways and concrete can be accurately diagnosed. Early detection of voids using GPR can prevent safety risks such as structural collapse of concrete, roadway failures, and misaligned storm pipes.

GPRS can be your first step in protecting you and your infrastructure from, and/or rebuilding after a natural disaster. We offer rapid response to job sites, often within 24 hours. With over 500 highly trained Project Managers strategically located across every major market in the U.S., we are prepared to commit to any project at any location. Our approach ensures quality data that is virtual, cataloged, and secure.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can GPR differentiate between different objects embedded within concrete?

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) can usually differentiate between rebar, electrical conduit, post tension cables, rebar, and other objects that may be embedded within your concrete slab.

What type of informational output is provided when GPRS conducts a utility locate?

FAA Awards $427.8 Million in Airport Improvement Grants

The Federal Aviation Administration recently awarded $427.8 million in grants for airport upgrades nationwide.

According to an FAA press release, the funding will support 245 airport-related infrastructure projects across 39 states intended to modernize and improve the country’s airports. The funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program, part of the $25 billion total included in the law for airport improvements such as terminal expansions and baggage system upgrades, runway safety enhancements, and air traffic infrastructure improvements.

“Americans are flying in record numbers this summer,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The funding we’re announcing, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help airports across the country make needed improvements to ensure safety and efficiency now and for years to come.”

Airports on a runway. — The Federal Aviation Administration recently awarded $427.8 million in grants for airport upgrades nationwide.

Airports receiving funding as part of this grant package include:

$29.4 million to John Glenn Columbus International Airport in Ohio: This grant supports the construction of a new terminal tarmac and taxiway, along with the extension of an existing taxiway to enhance safety.
$10.6 million to El Paso International Airport in Texas: This grant funds the construction of a new general aviation (GA) apron and the rehabilitation of the existing GA apron pavement to enhance efficiency.
$18.1 million to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport in California: This grant supports the construction of a new taxiway and funds the building of a new terminal to accommodate more passengers.
$24.9 million to Southwest Florida International Airport in Florida: This grant supports the construction of a new taxiway and the expansion of a concourse apron to handle more passengers. Additionally, it funds the expansion of the existing terminal access road by adding an off-ramp and three traffic lanes to exclusively accommodate increased vehicular traffic serving the airport.
$8.5 million to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in Minnesota: This grant supports the expansion of the terminal access road and the rehabilitation of a tarmac and taxiway to improve safety.
$11.2 million to Hector International Airport in North Dakota: This grant supports the expansion of an existing terminal by adding four gates to better accommodate more passengers and baggage.
$4.2 million to Dallas Love Field Airport in Texas: This grant supports improvements to the existing airfield drainage system and the Runway 13/31 safety area to mitigate runway excursions and enhance safety.
$13.6 million to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in Kentucky: This grant supports the replacement of passenger boarding bridges to enhance the efficiency of passenger movement throughout the airport.
$6 million to Glacier Park International in Montana: This grant supports the expansion of the existing terminal to include additional gates, ticketing and kiosk areas, security checkpoints, and passenger holdrooms to better accommodate more passengers.
$13 million to Norfolk International Airport in Virginia: This grant supports the final phase of construction to rehabilitate Runway 5/23, enhancing safety. It also funds a portion of the terminal building expansion to increase capacity.

A full list of announced AIG grants is available here.

The Airport Infrastructure Grant program is one of three aviation grant programs stemming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. To date, nearly $9 billion of AIG funding has been made available to airports across the country.

Completed projects that have benefited from the AIG program include:

$4.4 million to Mesa Phoenix-Mesa Gateway in Arizona: This grant funded the reconstruction of the pavement on Runway 12/30 to improve safety.
$3.8 million to Mobile International in Alabama: This grant upgraded 870 feet of drainage system controls in the future terminal area to meet FAA standards.
$3.1 million to Valley International in Harlingen, Texas: This grant extended Runway 35L by an additional 1,100 feet to accommodate a higher volume of aircraft and reduce delays in existing traffic.

America’s airports have for years needed some TLC.

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gave the United States’ aviation infrastructure a D+ in its 2021 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure.

“Over a two-year period, passenger travel steadily increased from 964.7 million to 1.2 billion per year, yet flight service only increased from 9.7 to 10.2 million flights per year — contributing in part to a total of nearly 96 million delay minutes for airline passengers in 2019,” the ASCE wrote. “Terminal, gate, and ramp availability was not meeting the needs of a growing passenger base.”

Whether you're managing an airport expansion or improvement, or installing fiber optic cable in a suburban neighborhood, the most effective way to keep your projects on track is by mitigating the risk of subsurface damage during excavation and ensuring seamless communication among all stakeholders from start to finish.

GPRS offers a suite of subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and construction & facilities project management services designed to protect your assets and people. From precision concrete scanning and utility locating to 3D laser scanning, video pipe inspections and virtual tours, we strive to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

To put this field-verified data at your fingertips 24/7, GPRS created SiteMap^® (patent pending), our cloud-based project & facility management application that provides accurate existing condition documentation to help you plan, design, manage, dig, and ultimately build better.

GPRS’ SiteMap^® team members are currently scheduling live, personal demonstrations. Click below to schedule your free SiteMap^® demo today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of informational output is provided when GPRS conducts a utility locate?

What types of concrete scanning are there?

GPRS provides two specific but different scanning services: elevated concrete slab scanning and concrete slab-on-grade locating. Elevated concrete slab scanning involves detecting embedded electrical conduits, rebar, post-tension cables, and more before core drilling a hole through the slab. Performing a concrete slab-on-grade locating service typically involves scanning a trench line for conduits before conducting saw cutting and trenching to install a sanitary pipe, water line, or something similar.

Learn more

Maximizing Flow: How to Eliminate Most NRW Loss & Create Lead Service Line Inventories with Leak Detection and Utility Mapping Services

Now, more than ever, knowing exactly where your water service lines are, the condition of those lines, and what they’re made of, matters. Because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued regulations that include a hard deadline of October 16, 2024 for municipalities of over 50,000 people to create and file an LSL (lead service line) inventory with the agency as part of the federal “Get The Lead Out” program.

When it comes to managing water distribution infrastructure, conducting a comprehensive assessment of your pressurized lines before excavating for pipe repairs/replacement can save time, money, and resources, allowing you to target your efforts only where they are needed. That way, you keep more of your water in your lines, and more of its revenue on your balance sheet.

And now, more than ever, knowing exactly where your water service lines are, the condition of those lines, and what they’re made of, matters.

Because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued regulations that include a hard deadline of October 16, 2024 for municipalities of over 50,000 people to create and file an LSL (lead service line) inventory with the agency as part of the federal “Get The Lead Out” program.

By undertaking routine water loss surveys along with utility locating and mapping, municipal water managers can potentially reduce the need for complete replacement of leaking non-lead pipes, in favor of refurbishment or relining where appropriate.

Water systems and their consulting engineers can leverage regular water loss surveys and leak detection to maximize cost-effectiveness, especially for smaller water utilities with limited capital budgets.

A GPRS Leak Detection Project Manager Utilizes an Elephant Foot listening device and a leak correlator to pinpoint leaks — GPRS Project Managers who specialize in leak detection utilize a complementary technologies to find, map, and pinpoint pressurized water line leaks.

What Are Your NRW and LSL Options?

The decision to replace or repair piping infrastructure involves numerous variables, such as pipe material, age, soil conditions, and repair history. And, of course, whether or not there is an active leak causing Non-Revenue Water (NRW) loss. Given the high cost of excavating miles of piping—approximately $1.5 million in cost per mile—it’s crucial to identify which pipe segments need replacement and which can still provide years of reliable service. By reassessing some traditional "rules of thumb," utilities can benefit from water loss surveys to precisely focus capital expenditures where they are most needed:

1. Go Beyond Transmission Lines

While it’s logical to prioritize the high-profile backbone of a water network (typically transmission pipes over 16 inches in diameter), these usually only make up about 10% of water distribution networks. Utilizing non-invasive technologies to map and evaluate the remaining 90% can help identify the most cost-effective priorities for maintenance or replacement. The majority of pressurized line leaks appear in the 90% of non-transmission lines. So, if you focus only on transmission, you are missing most of your opportunities to eliminate NRW loss. It’s important to note, too, that the EPA’s regulations may require that pipes downstream of LSLs be replaced, even if they are not made of lead themselves.

2. Coordinate Aboveground Infrastructure & Water System Work

Coordinating the excavation, repair, and replacement of water lines with road repairs is much more efficient than ripping up a freshly paved road or sidewalk. Water loss surveys can easily reveal if your existing infrastructure is safe to remain in service until the next time the road needs resurfacing, leading to substantial savings compared to additional excavations and wholesale replacement.

3. Enhance Risk Models with Current Condition Data

While risk models based on past experiences are valuable, supplementing these with up-to-date existing subsurface utility and water line data can improve their accuracy. For instance, one utility detailed in a recent Water Online article deferred 60% of its planned replacement budget after assessing just 20% of its system.

Finding the Best LSL Inventory, Replacement, Repair, and NRW Solutions

Leak detection and utility locating technologies for distribution lines fall into several categories: external non-invasive, internal invasive, and spot inspection. Each offers varying capabilities based on cost, pipe material, and installation environment. You can find a great deal of practical and technical assistance with regard to line repair and replacement from The AWWA M77 Condition Assessment of Water Mains manual, which may also help you best utilize your water system budget.

A GPRS Project Manager wearing headphones and utilizing multiple technologies to pinpoint and mark out a water leak. — Leak Detection Project Managers are specially trained. In addition to their acoustic leak training, they also receive 320 hours of field training and 80 hours of classroom training in Subsurface Investigation Methodology. So they can not only find your leak, they can find everything hiding beneath the surface of your project.

You Have to Use the Right Tools

There are cases where water system applications like pipelines feeding nuclear plants, might require high-resolution electromagnetic scans. However, non-invasive acoustic leak detection, confirmed with leak correlation technology is often the most cost-effective for urban environments with numerous fittings and connections and plastic (PVC) pipes. Marrying water loss surveys conducted by a professional leak detection company with 99.8%+ accurate utility locating and mapping can provide a complete, layered, and easy to use map and service line inventory. When you hire GPRS to do the job, you get everything in a secure, accessible digital platform, SiteMap® (patent pending), that also provides excellent data portability for reporting and GIS purposes.

Is The ROI Worth It?

Non-invasive technologies typically require less prep work and can provide valuable data without disrupting water flows, digging chambers, or inserting tools into water lines, thus posing zero risk to pipelines or water quality. And, because pinpoint leak detection can give you the exact location of a leak and utility locating can map the entire water system, you can create a comprehensive inventory, and maintenance, repair, and replacement plans for leaking and lead service lines.

A Dose of Reality

The truth is that at present, only 1% of all U.S. infrastructure is replaced annually. So, it’s crucial to focus expenditures on the highest-risk areas. A small percentage of any pipe usually represents the biggest portion of structural failure risk, making targeted water loss surveys highly cost-effective from a material, labor, and water loss standpoint.

Routine Water Loss Surveys + Utility Mapping = A Healthier Water System

Your water loss survey report can inform more than just replacement decisions. It can make it obvious whether cleaning and lining large segments of pipe is the best option, instead of replacing them, provide insights on changing hydraulics & pressure, and assist in planning based on your system’s customer base and budget cycle.

Learning More About Routine Water Loss Surveys

Municipal and large facility water managers can greatly benefit from incorporating routine water loss surveys into their maintenance strategies. These surveys, such as those provided by GPRS Leak Detection Services, offer a comprehensive approach to identifying leaks and assessing pipeline conditions, ensuring efficient use of capital and maintenance resources. To learn more about how routine water loss surveys can optimize your water management practices and how GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World® for customers nationwide, click here.

NUCA Acquires Dozer Day®

The National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) has purchased the trademark and naming rights to Dozer Day®, a nationwide event that gives kids an opportunity to learn about the utility construction industry.

The National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) has purchased the trademark and naming rights to Dozer Day^®, a nationwide event that gives kids an opportunity to learn about the utility construction industry.

NUCA, the leading trade association representing the utility construction and excavation industry in the United States, acquired Dozer Day^® as part of a partnership with the event’s previous owners, the Nutter Family Foundation, according to a recent article in Dig Different.

Under the new agreement, NUCA assumes the responsibility for the several existing Dozer Day events planned by NUCA chapters and associated charitable entities. Over the next several years, NUCA intends to work with its chapter network and other organizations and businesses to grow the events in communities and regions which have previously not hosted events.

Children hold plastic hardhats over their heads to capture falling candy from a piece of heavy machinery. — (Photo courtesy of *Dig Different*) Dozer Day® began as a one-day educational event and charity fundraiser held annually in Vancouver, Washington, by the Nutter Family Foundation, a 501© (3) dedicated to improving the lives of children.

“This new Dozer Day partnership between NUCA and the Nutter Foundation will enrich thousands of young men and women, and give them a strong future,” NUCA CEO Doug Carlson told Dig Different. “Dozer Day provides an unforgettable experience for children, sparking their interest in engineering, construction and teamwork. We are fortunate that our partnership will continue the special Dozer Day experience for more children and young adults in more American towns.”

Dozer Day^® began as a one-day educational event and charity fundraiser held annually in Vancouver, Washington, by the Nutter Family Foundation, a 501^© (3) dedicated to improving the lives of children. Industry partners including NUCA eventually helped the Nutter Foundation bring Dozer Day^® to communities throughout the U.S.

Today, there are eight Dozer Day^® events held nationwide annually. During these events, kids experience the operation of heavy construction equipment and machinery, learn about their community and careers in the design/build industry, and participate in fun family-focused events. Under the watchful eye of trained professional operators, they get to control and operate the machinery. Dozer Day^® events are fundraisers, with the annual flagship event in Vancouver raising over $100,000 annually, from which grants are made to children’s charities. To date, over $2.2 million has been given back to charities nationwide.

“Passing the shovel to NUCA National is a moment of both reflection and excitement for us at Dozer Day,” Nutter Foundation founder, Renee Nutter, said in an article in Utility Contractor Magazine. “This event has always been about more than just showcasing construction machinery – it’s about community, education, and inspiration. We are confident that NUCA National will carry forward our mission with the same passion and dedication. Their commitment to engaging with and uplifting communities aligns perfectly with the spirit of Dozer Day. We look forward to seeing this cherished event continue to grow and touch even more lives under NUCA’s leadership.”

Carlson said that Renee Nutter “has been the driving force behind these exciting events, and her support of our industry and our employees today and for the future has been inspirational.”

“Our new partnership will lead into our industry’s future,” Carlson added.

GPRS Supports Safe Construction Projects

As programs like Dozer Day^® cultivate the next generation of construction professionals, GPRS ensures that the construction professionals of today can do their work safely and efficiently through our comprehensive suite of subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and construction & facilities project management services.

Our concrete scanning, utility locating, video pipe inspection and leak detection offerings prevent the costly and potentially dangerous utility strikes that could derail your budget and schedule. 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry captures your site with 2-4mm accuracy to assist in efficient planning. And SiteMap^® (patent pending), our GIS-based infrastructure mapping solution, eliminates the mistakes caused by miscommunications.

From skyscrapers to sewer lines, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^®. What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of informational output is provided when GPRS conducts a utility locate?

What types of concrete scanning are there?

Learn more

What deliverables does GPRS offer when conducting a sewer pipe inspection?

GPRS is proud to offer WinCan reporting to our video pipe inspection clients. Maintaining sewers starts with understanding sewer condition, and WinCan allows GPRS Project Managers to collect detailed, NASSCO-compliant inspection data. GPRS Project Managers not only inspect the interior condition of sewer pipes, laterals, and manholes – they can also provide a map of their location. The GPRS Mapping & Modeling Department can provide detailed GPS overlays and CAD files. Our detailed WinCan/NASSCO reports contain screenshots of the interior condition of the pipe segments that we inspect, as well as a video file for further evaluation, documentation, and/or reference.

A Complete Guide to Evaluating Mobile Point Cloud Quality

In this article, we’ll explain the metrics that laser-scanning experts use to determine the quality of a mobile point cloud, and then show you the simple process that they use to audit a data set – all without the need for complex analysis tools.

A Complete Guide to Evaluating Mobile Point Cloud Quality

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What Metrics Do Pros Use to Judge a Mobile Point Cloud?

First, let's explore the qualities that you should look for in a mobile point cloud and explain why these qualities are important.

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1. Coloring/Texture

What is it? How realistic the coloring and texturing of the point cloud looks. Put another way: how much the point cloud looks like a photo from a high-quality digital camera.

Why is it important? Good coloring and texture help you identify small details in the data set, for instance trees, doors, and even the text on signs. This has tremendous value during the modeling process, when the ability to interpret the scan and discern objects is crucial.

By making the point cloud look like the real-world environment you captured, good coloring and texture also make it easier for experts and non-experts to understand what they are looking at, and navigate the data set.

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2. Noise

What is it? The “fuzziness” of the point cloud. Noisy points show up in every raw data set, regardless of the scanner, because the physical behavior of the laser sensor creates random imperfections in the data. Every manufacturer has their own approach for removing this noise—some of which are more successful than others.

Why is it important? Too much noise can cause problems in modeling applications. For instance, if you are modeling a floor, a “line” that is 3 cm thick due to noise can make it difficult to discern where to start a line. The same problem comes up when you try to model fine details. Excess noise also makes a point cloud larger than it needs to be to represent the geometry accurately, which causes bigger files and longer transfers.

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3. Resolution of Fine Details

What is it? How crisp small details are, for instance 90° edges, or the shape of a door frame.

Why is it important? A lot of modeling applications require you to work at high levels of detail. If you are modeling a floorplan with a scale of 1:50, or doing visual inspection, then it’s likely you’ll need to see a lot of fine details to produce a good quality deliverable.

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4. Absolute and Relative Accuracy

What is it? Though this is a very complex topic, we can give you a relatively simple working answer. Accuracy numbers represent how close a measurement is to the correct value.

In mobile scanning, we measure two kinds of accuracy. Absolute accuracy refers to the accuracy of your data on a global scale. This metric applies to a measurement taken across multiple scan locations, for instance from one corner of a building to another.

Relative accuracy, refers to the accuracy of the data set on a local scale. This metric applies to measurements between points in a single scan location, like a room.

Why is it important? These metrics are important in determining the reliability of a scanner, because they can show how accurate the dimensions of a building are, and how accuracy the dimensions of room are – both of which are important considerations for applications like scan-to-BIM or generating floor plans.

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NAVISWORKS CLOUD 1 sm.png — By performing a careful visual audit on a mobile point cloud, you can get a very good idea for how it scores on a variety of important metrics.

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4 Steps for Auditing Point Cloud Quality

You’re probably aware that many experienced laser scanning professionals judge the quality of a point cloud using a benchmark data set and complex software. What you might not know is that many of them also use a simple step-by-step process to audit a point cloud by eye.

By looking for specific indicators, they can quickly judge how well any point cloud scores on the metrics we covered in the previous section. Here’s how Stefan Romberg, NavVis’ head of mapping and perception, does it.

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Step 1: Note your first visual impressions

Download the sample data and open it in your point cloud software. Explore the data and note your first impressions.

How colorful is it? Does it look like a high-quality photograph, or is it dim?
Does it seem crisp, or fuzzy?

A quick visual check sounds almost too subjective to be useful, but Romberg says it is a very important step. “Most of the time,” he explains, “the more beautiful a point cloud is, the better it is. Subjective beauty is not a proof of quality – but it is an indicator of hard, objective qualities that can be measured.”

This is because a beautiful point cloud requires realistic coloring and texture and noise reduction, and a point cloud must hit a baseline accuracy to prevent problems like warping and distortion.

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Step 2: View the point cloud in an ortho view, and take a horizontal slice

Looking at the point cloud from the top enables you to check for two more important indicators: straight lines and consistency.

Are the walls straight where they’re supposed to be straight?
Are the walls or beams the same thickness from one end to the other?
Do you see warping in long hallways?

This will give you a better idea for the accuracy of the mobile mapping device. As Romberg explains, if the walls are warped rather than straight, if they get thicker or thinner from one end to the other, or if they split off into a false double, then your data is wrong. This might have happened because the SLAM could not cope with the environment.

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Step 3: Zoom in to check fine details

Pull up a small section of the point cloud, for instance the area around a door. This will allow you to look for familiar details and see how well the point cloud resolves them.

How accurately does the data represent corners, or other 90° angles?
Are the walls actually curving (not straight) when you look at them closer?
How crisp are details like door edges, which have a contour that can be difficult to capture?

This will help you double-check for accuracy. It also helps to determine how well the point cloud scores on resolution of fine details.

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Step 4: Check the white papers

This is a big one. The steps we just described will give you a very good sense for accuracy – and they’ll only take you a few minutes. But they aren’t a guarantee of accuracy. For that, you’ll need hard numbers, which means the simplest option is to put aside some time to review the mobile mapping scanner manufacturer’s white papers.

You might say, why do this if I’ve already looked at the spec sheet? A spec sheet for a mobile mapper has limited use. It indicates the accuracy of the mobile scanner in ideal, controlled circumstances. But the real world is not ideal. The accuracy of a mobile scanner depends on a number of factors, like how well its on-board processing handles its environment, and how effective its correction functions are.

That’s why you should review the manufacturer’s accuracy white papers, which demonstrate the accuracy of the scanner in a variety of applications. These papers will show you how the scanner performs in the kinds of environments that matter to you.

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Wrapping Up

Anyone can verify the quality of a point cloud, with or without complex analysis tools. By performing a careful visual audit, you can get a very good idea for how it scores on a variety of important metrics. Finish up by reading the accuracy white papers and comparing to TLS data – and you should know whether the scanner’s data is right for you.

For more information on the NavVis VLX mobile mapping laser scanner, click here.

Written by: Sean Higgins

Source: A complete guide to evaluating mobile point cloud quality (navvis.com)

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Source: https://www.navvis.com/blog/5-reasons-why-its-time-to-invest-in-mobile-mapping

5 Reasons Why It’s Time to Invest in Mobile Mapping

Whether you’re an independent contractor, part of a firm that provides laser scanning services, or you hold an in-house scanning role for a construction firm, here are five ways that mobile mappers will transform your business.

A mobile mapping system equipped with LiDAR scanning technology delivers comprehensive, highly detailed reality capture data to laser scanning professionals for complex sites, both indoor and outdoor. In this article, we’ll talk about why it’s time to invest in one of these cutting-edge mobile mapping tools, and how they can transform your day-to-day work.

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Mobile mapping technology empowers your business to scan more efficiently, reduce potential disruption for your clients, and expand the range of deliverables you can produce.

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1. Mobile mappers will increase your scanning efficiency

Let’s say you’re set to perform a medium-to-large sized as-built documentation project – for example, a 5,000 sqm office building that includes a variety of spaces like staircases, small rooms, cubicles, long corridors, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) rooms.

In this scenario, investing in a mobile mapping system can speed up your project significantly. As we discussed previously, these devices are capable of capturing buildings at up to 10x faster than a terrestrial laser scanner.

The NavVis VLX for example, can capture 1,000 sqm of complex office space per hour, meaning the project mentioned above would take about five hours of scan time to complete.

Additionally, where a terrestrial laser scanning workflow can require two operators, a mobile workflow can be completed with only one operator. This enables you to free up valuable staffing resources to take on more projects.

Business benefit: Mobile mapping systems improve your scanning efficiency so you can finish big projects faster, and take on more projects, with your existing workforce.

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2. Mobile mappers will reduce client disruption

Capturing an asset that is in active use, like a factory, hospital, office, construction site, or parking garage, can be especially complex.

These facilities present all the usual challenges for your as-built capture workflow, and one more: They offer very short windows of downtime for you to scan.

When you use a mobile scanner to capture an active site, the efficiency of the tool enables you to get in and get out much faster, and reduce disruption to your client’s work.

This can help you win new work in industries where the downtime necessary for scanning has prevented clients from performing as-built documentation in the past.

Business benefit: Mobile mapping empowers your business to win more projects by bidding in industries where disruption is an issue, for instance healthcare, factories, and so on.

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3. Mobile mappers will expand your services and offerings

Mobile mapping technology won’t just help you to gain new clients. It can also help you to offer new services and deliverables to your existing client base.

Right now, it’s likely that your usual deliverable for as-built documentation project is a CAD or BIM model.

If you add an indoor mobile mapping system like NavVis VLX or NavVis M6 to your workflow, you can use the NavVis Indoor Viewer to automatically produce deliverables like fully immersive 360° walkthroughs for the site.

Deliverables like 360° walkthroughs can offer a great deal of value to your client.

The client can use them to help a variety of stakeholders explore and understand the building; to offer an easy interface for searching, adding, and viewing building information; or even to provide single source of truth for better collaboration in a wide variety of applications in manufacturing, construction, surveying, facilities management, and more.

Business benefit: Mobile mapping can improve your customer retention by enabling you to offer a more compelling set of deliverables than your competitors.

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4. Mobile mappers will make your business more flexible

Adding a mobile mapper to your tool set means you can be more flexible about price when negotiating with clients.

Imagine you’re talking with a construction customer that wants to capture reliable as-is conditions for a potential refurbishment project in a relatively simple space.

Since construction firms often want to limit the expense for this kind of project, they won’t want to use a terrestrial laser scanner (in fact, they will often send a student out with a disto to gather measurements by hand).

When you use a mobile mapping workflow, you can offer this customer the best of both worlds. You can supply a 3D deliverable that is much higher quality than they could get with a disto, and much more cost effective than using a terrestrial laser scanner.

On top of that, you can configure your device to provide a different combination of speed and data quality. You could generate data at high accuracy for price A per sqm, and medium accuracy for price B per sqm.

You could let the customer pick the accuracy level that fits their needs, or mix and match accuracy levels for individual spaces throughout the asset.

Business benefit: Mobile mapping systems offer multiple levels of scanning efficiency, and multiple levels of data accuracy. This enables you to adapt your pricing and deliverables to the job requirements – and win more cost-sensitive clients.

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5. Mobile mappers will sharpen your competitive edge

As we’ve covered already, mobile mapping technology empowers your business to scan more efficiently, reduce potential disruption for your clients, expand the range of deliverables you can produce, and offer more flexible pricing structures.

This brings an added benefit: It helps your business stand out from your competitors.

If you use mobile scanners, you will differentiate your business during the project acquisition stage.

When the customer compares your business to a competitor that has a more conventional offering, your offer will look more compelling and you’ll be more likely to land the deal.

‍Business benefit: Using a cutting-edge (but tested) tool like a mobile mapping system will help you stand out from the competition, and win more customers, so your business can continue to grow.

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Article Courtesy of NavVis

Written By, Sean Higgins

Sean Higgins is an independent technology writer, former trade publication editor, and outdoors enthusiast. He believes that clear, buzzword-free writing about 3D technologies is a public service.

Topics: Laser Scanning, Reality Capture, Scanning Device, Indoor Mapping, Mobile Mapping

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is 3D laser scanning?

3D laser scanning uses LiDAR technology to capture as-built documentation of existing buildings or sites. Once data is acquired, a point cloud is generated and used to develop 2D CAD drawings or 3D BIM models, expediting the design, planning, and development of projects.

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What scanners are used for data collection?

GPRS utilizes a terrestrial 3D laser scanner for data collection, as they are able to document vertical structures, such as buildings and facilities. These scanners sit on a tripod and can take 1-3 minutes to complete each scan, depending on the project requirements. Terrestrial laser scanners are known to produce the most accurate point clouds due to the fact that they are stationary. A laser scanner can only capture what is in its line of sight. Scanners are positioned around a site and take individual scans from varying viewpoints to capture complete site data. The captured points record everything from surface detail and texture, to color, creating a direct representation of the scanned project site.

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How SiteMap® is Revolutionizing Infrastructure Projects

After more than 50 years, the complex Pennsylvania Highway Link Project has come to fruition, but it’s not without help from technology just like GPRS’ SiteMap®. Learn more about how modern technology is helping to pave the way for exciting future projects.

The Susquehanna River, stretching about 444 miles along the Eastern Seaboard, has historically provided essential resources for local coal mines and, more recently, hydroelectric power. Travelers cross various sections of the river via numerous bridges and passes throughout Pennsylvania and its surrounding areas. Currently, a major project is underway to connect areas along the river with a new highway bypass, U.S. Route 15. This ambitious endeavor has been decades in the making, involving over 50 years of planning and a significant infusion of new technology.

One such technology likely to be utilized is a centralized GIS platform for project data, such as SiteMap^® (patent pending), powered by GPRS. Cloud-based GIS platforms are crucial for the successful completion of large-scale projects like the Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation (CSVT) project. But how do SiteMap^® and similar technologies contribute to the efficient and safe progression of such extensive projects?

An overview of a construction project. — (Photo courtesy of PennDOT via *Engineering News-Record*) The Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation Project is a long-anticipated effort aimed at improving traffic flow and safety in the region.

Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation Project: An Overview

The Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation Project is a long-anticipated effort aimed at improving traffic flow and safety in the region. Spanning several decades, this project is designed to create a bypass around the congested areas of Northumberland and Lewisburg, ultimately linking key transportation routes and boosting regional mobility. "It's a four-lane limited-access roadway connecting Route 147 in Northumberland County to Routes 11 and 15 in Snyder County," explained PennDOT's Eric High.

This thirteen-mile project has been in development for years, but construction only began in 2015 due to funding challenges. The work is being carried out in two phases: the northern section connects Route 147 in Northumberland County to Route 15 in Union County, while the southern section links Route 15 to Selinsgrove. The northern section is now open, but the southern section is expected to be completed by 2027.

The importance of this project is significant, especially given its over fifty-year history, underscoring the challenges faced in bringing it to completion. The construction of this crucial link required meticulous planning, extensive coordination, and the use of advanced technologies to navigate the many obstacles encountered along the way.

The Role of Technology in Modern Infrastructure Projects

Historically, infrastructure projects were plagued by delays, cost overruns, and unexpected issues. However, the rise of digital and advanced technologies has transformed how these projects are managed. A prime example of this innovation is SiteMap^®, a cutting-edge underground utility mapping software powered by GPRS’s renowned accuracy, elite training, and 99.8% proven precision. SiteMap^® provides an interactive underground utility map with precise, easily accessible data, essential for the effective execution of large-scale construction projects.

The groundbreaking technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution are redefining possibilities in the built environment. Advances in data proliferation, connectivity, automation, and sustainability are disrupting existing markets and forging new ones. As we adapt our approach to managing infrastructure projects — from energy to data collection — GPRS and SiteMap^® exemplify how modern technologies are reshaping and enhancing the industry.

Understanding SiteMap^® and its Benefits

Our GIS software platform, SiteMap^®, enables you to swiftly access, view, and securely share your infrastructure data with subcontractors, engineers, and your team. All your utility, structural, water & sewer, and facility information is integrated into the SiteMap^® Map Viewer and Digital Plan Room. SiteMap^® is a digital utility mapping tool that uses advanced technology to offer detailed insights into underground utilities. It’s especially valuable for infrastructure projects, helping to identify and map the intricate network of subsurface utilities. By providing a comprehensive and interactive underground utility map, SiteMap^® ensures that project planners and engineers have precise information, minimizing the risk of unexpected utility encounters.

SiteMap^®offers a user-friendly way to access facility and location data. It also serves as a digital repository for blueprints, as-built drawings, maintenance records, permits, and more. The platform can visualize georeferenced utility data, site photos and videos, BIM Models, and CAD files all in one place. Recognizing the importance of data portability, SiteMap^® integrates seamlessly with other popular GIS platforms, allowing you to leverage GPRS’s 99.8%+ accurate utility maps and concrete scans within your preferred GIS software. A SiteMap^® Personal subscription is free for GPRS customers, with additional subscription tiers available to meet various construction and facility needs. SiteMap^® presents data in a customizable, intuitive, and cost-effective platform that updates information in minutes.

How Can SiteMap^® Improve Project Outcomes

Enhanced Safety: One of the primary concerns in any construction project is safety. Accidentally striking underground utilities can lead to hazardous situations, delays, injuries, fatalities, and increased costs. SiteMap^® mitigates this risk by providing detailed maps of underground (or even above ground) utilities, allowing construction teams to plan their activities more effectively and avoid potential hazards. In 2022, the United States construction industry had the highest number of fatal work-related accidents resulting in 1,092 deaths. Platforms like SiteMap^®, powered by our elite team of Project Managers, CAD designers, and more at GPRS are helping to reduce this risk through accurate and accessible site data.

Improved Efficiency: With accurate digital utility mapping, construction projects can proceed more efficiently. SiteMap^® eliminates the need for time-consuming processes that often result in delays and accidents. By streamlining the process of identifying and mapping underground utilities, SiteMap^® helps in reducing project timelines and costs.

Informed Decision-Making: Access to real-time data through SiteMap^® empowers project managers and engineers to make well-rounded, informed decisions. They can assess the feasibility of various construction activities, plan alternative routes if necessary, and address potential issues before they escalate. This proactive approach significantly enhances the overall project management process.

Cost Savings: Unforeseen utility encounters can lead to substantial financial setbacks. By utilizing SiteMap^®'s underground utility mapping software, construction projects can avoid unnecessary expenses associated with utility damage and project delays. This cost-effective approach ensures that projects stay within budget and are completed on time.

How Technology like SiteMap^® Impacts Infrastructure Projects

This Pennsylvania project exemplifies how SiteMap^® and similar technologies are revolutionizing infrastructure development. The integration of advanced mapping technologies has been crucial for the smooth execution of this project, allowing developers to accurately plan and map areas near or over the river. As-builts provide essential information and adapt as the project evolves. Advanced mapping and modeling, subsurface mapping, utility locating, and technologies like 3D laser scanning have all contributed to the success of this major highway project.

Technology like SiteMap^® supports long-term projects in several key ways:

Pre-Construction Planning: Comprehensive planning before breaking ground is vital. SiteMap^®’s digital utility mapping capabilities offer a detailed view of both underground and above-ground landscapes. Our elite Mapping and Modeling Team can produce BIM models, point clouds, virtual walkthroughs, as-builts, and aggregated maps. This visualized data is crucial for identifying potential challenges and developing strategies to address them. For example, discovering an underground utility line in the proposed construction path allows the team to adjust the design to prevent conflicts, leading to a smoother construction process.
Easy Data Integration: During construction, seamless and accessible data integration is essential to maintain project momentum. SiteMap^®’s interactive underground utility map provides clear visualizations and data on utility locations and other surveyed areas. This allows construction teams to adapt their activities accordingly, minimizing disruptions and keeping the project on schedule.
Coordination with Stakeholders: Successful infrastructure projects involve multiple stakeholders, including utility companies, government agencies, and local communities. SiteMap^® enhances coordination by offering a centralized platform for sharing utility information. This transparency improves collaboration and reduces the risk of misunderstandings or conflicts among stakeholders.
Minimizing Environmental Impact: Modern infrastructure projects must consider environmental impact. SiteMap^®’s precise utility mapping helps avoid unnecessary excavation and minimizes disturbance to the environment. By reducing the project's footprint and protecting natural habitats, SiteMap^® supports more sustainable construction practices.

The Future of Infrastructure Development with SiteMap^®

As infrastructure projects become increasingly complex and large-scale, the importance of advanced technologies like SiteMap^® will grow significantly. In the context of this Pennsylvania project, the transformative impact of digital utility mapping is clear. The advantages of enhanced safety, improved efficiency, informed decision-making, and cost savings make platforms like SiteMap^® essential for modern infrastructure development.

The adoption of SiteMap^® and similar technologies is expected to become a standard industry practice. Accurately mapping and managing utilities, both subsurface and aboveground, will streamline construction processes and support more sustainable and environmentally responsible practices, which are becoming increasingly important. As these technologies evolve, we can look forward to even more advanced features and capabilities that will further improve infrastructure project outcomes.

This project, with its extensive history and complex challenges, highlights the power of technology in infrastructure development. Without the advent and adoption of modern technologies, such projects might have faced even further delays. SiteMap^®’s advanced digital utility mapping has been crucial to the success of such projects, offering valuable insights for future initiatives.

By providing an interactive underground utility map, SiteMap^® ensures that construction projects are managed with greater understanding, safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. As digital technologies gain traction across industries, the future of infrastructure development looks promising.

To enhance the accuracy and efficiency of your future projects, contact SiteMap^® today to learn more.

Data Center Boom Continues

Microsoft’s newest data center project will create up to 200 new jobs by the end of 2032 in northwest Indiana, according to a press release issued by Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb.

The $1 billion project will establish a new data center in La Porte, Indiana designed to accelerate cloud computing infrastructure to support growth in technology and artificial intelligence worldwide.

“Indiana is committed to being a central hub in the global economy of the future, and this latest announcement ensures Hoosier communities and talent will be key to widespread advancements in cloud and artificial intelligence technology,” Holcomb said. “As a state, we’ve built a pro-growth business climate and implemented a future-focused framework to attract major investments in high-tech, high-growth sectors. We’re excited to welcome Microsoft’s new data center to Indiana and look forward to the incredible value add impact this will have on our statewide data driven ecosystem, new career opportunities, specifically the greater northwest Indiana community.”

A ‘Zoning Hearing’ sign in a field. — (Photo courtesy of Greg Swiercz, *South Bend Tribune*) This site is the proposed location for a data center in Indiana, one of four major data center projects announced in 2024.

Data centers serve as a hub that contains the computational and storage capacities essential for the delivery of shared applications and data. Smaller organizations might accommodate these facilities within a dedicated room of an existing building, while larger organizations typically operate several centers exclusively for their extensive data storage and sharing requirements.

Microsoft intends to build their new, 245,000-square-foot data center on 489 acres at the Radius Industrial Park in La Porte to help power the Microsoft Cloud and support the next-level digital transformation spurred by the widespread adoption of cloud computing and artificial intelligence. It joins the Redmond, Washington-based company’s worldwide network of cloud computing infrastructure, which includes more than 300 data centers.

“Microsoft is excited to expand our datacenter infrastructure into Indiana, with our first campus to be built in La Porte,” said Bowen Wallace, Microsoft CVP Datacenters, Americas Region. “We appreciate the collaboration with the State, City and the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership that has made this opportunity possible. We look forward to an enduring and beneficial relationship with Indiana and the City of La Porte as we build and scale our data center infrastructure to support our customer and partners.”

The design, planning and permitting process is expected to start in late 2024. This is the fourth major data center construction project announced for Indiana in 2024, joining projects currently in progress in Fort Wayne, Jeffersonville, and New Carlisle.

“Projects like this happen once in a lifetime, and their effects are felt forever,” said La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody. “What makes this even better is that we get to work with the talented and community-minded team at Microsoft. From the very beginning of this project, they have been committed and attentive to the needs of our community. We are incredibly excited to welcome them here and look forward to a strong collaboration long into the future.”

Data Center Boom

The pending data center projects in Indiana reflect an ongoing surge in data center construction across the U.S. that’s largely been attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw Americans stuck at home and utilizing the internet more often. This, in turn, drove companies like Amazon and Walmart to significantly expand their data processing capabilities.

There are more data centers in the U.S. than in any other country on Earth – and it’s not even close.

As of March 2024, there were 5,381 data centers operating in the U.S., according to data from Statista.com. Germany has the second-most data centers of any country in the world – with just 521. China and India, the first and second most populous countries in the world, respectively, have just 612 data centers combined.

“The demand for data centers is expected to surge in the coming years as the world becomes increasingly interconnected,” The Birmingham Group’s President and CEO, Brian Binke, wrote in a blog post last fall. “With companies like Google, Amazon and Facebook leading the charge, data center construction will continue to thrive, supporting the digital infrastructure needed for a connected future.”

GPRS Keeps Data Center Projects On Track

GPRS provides a comprehensive suite of services for subsurface damage prevention, existing condition documentation, and construction and facility project management. This ensures initiatives like data center projects stay on track.

Our services, which include concrete scanning, utility locating, video pipe inspection, and leak detection, are essential for preventing subsurface damage during excavation or when drilling or cutting through concrete. We utilize advanced tools such as ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic (EM) locating, and remote-operated sewer pipe inspection rovers. Our SIM and NASSCO-certified Project Managers (PMs) give you a thorough understanding of your site’s subsurface structures.

For detailed above-ground condition documentation and to capture our PMs’ findings in utility locating and concrete scanning, our 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry services provide data accurate to 2-4 mm, aiding in project design and future operation and maintenance (O&M) tasks. Our in-house Mapping & Modeling Department can customize this data into any required format and software.

SiteMap^® (patent pending), GPRS’ cloud-based application for project and facility management, offers 24/7 access to all this field-verified data, enhancing asset and personnel protection.

SiteMap^® ensures seamless collaboration, enabling you and your team to securely access and share vital data anytime, anywhere, from any computer, tablet, or mobile device.

From skyscrapers to sewer lines, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® to keep you on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Benefits of Underground Utility Mapping?

Having an updated and accurate map of your subsurface infrastructure reduces accidents, budget overruns, change orders, and project downtime caused by dangerous and costly subsurface damage.

How does SiteMap^® assist with Utility Mapping?

SiteMap^®, powered by GPRS, is the industry-leading infrastructure management program. It is a single source of truth, housing the 99.8%+ accurate utility locating, concrete scanning, video pipe inspection, leak detection, and 3D laser scanning data our Project Managers collect on your job site. And the best part is you get a complimentary SiteMap^® Personal Subscription when GPRS performs a utility locate for you.

Click here to learn more.

Does SiteMap^® Work with my Existing GIS Platform?

SiteMap^® allows for exporting of data to SHP, GeoJSON, GeoPackage, and DXF directly from any user’s account that either owns or has a job shared to their account. All these file formats can be imported and utilized by other GIS packages if manually imported by the user. More information can be found at SiteMap.com.

Explaining Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Processes

Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) processes are critical frameworks within organizations designed to ensure compliance with environmental laws, promote the health and safety of employees, and minimize the impact of business operations on the environment.

These processes not only safeguard the workforce and the surrounding community, they also enhance organizational reputation, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

GPRS has been protecting job sites from damages, clashes, and reworks for 23 years. Learn more here.

A group of construction workers holding hard hats at their sides. — The primary objective of EHS processes is to protect employees from workplace hazards.

The Importance of EHS Processes

Protecting Employee Health and Safety

The primary objective of EHS processes is to protect employees from workplace hazards. This includes preventing accidents, injuries, and illnesses that can occur due to unsafe working conditions or exposure to harmful substances. Effective EHS programs foster a safe working environment, which can significantly reduce the incidence of workplace injuries and illnesses. This, in turn, leads to lower absenteeism, higher employee morale, and increased productivity.

Ensuring Environmental Compliance

Organizations are subject to a myriad of environmental regulations that mandate the proper handling, disposal, and management of hazardous materials and waste. EHS processes help organizations comply with these regulations, thereby avoiding legal penalties, fines, and potential shutdowns. Moreover, adherence to environmental standards demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, which can enhance the organization's public image and relations with stakeholders.

Promoting Sustainable Practices

Beyond compliance, EHS processes encourage organizations to adopt sustainable practices. This includes reducing waste, conserving energy, and minimizing the overall environmental footprint of business operations. Sustainable practices not only benefit the environment but can also result in cost savings through more efficient use of resources and reduced waste disposal costs.

Enhancing Operational Efficiency

EHS processes often lead to more efficient operations. By identifying and mitigating risks, organizations can avoid disruptions caused by accidents or regulatory non-compliance. Furthermore, continuous improvement initiatives within EHS programs can streamline processes, reduce waste, and improve overall operational performance.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of EHS Processes

To ensure that EHS processes are effective, organizations must regularly evaluate and assess their EHS programs. This involves a combination of qualitative and quantitative measures, as well as ongoing monitoring and continuous improvement efforts. Here are key steps to evaluate the effectiveness of EHS processes:

Establish Clear Objectives and Metrics: The first step in evaluating EHS effectiveness is to establish clear objectives and corresponding metrics. Objectives should align with the organization's overall goals and regulatory requirements. Metrics might include incident rates, near-miss reports, environmental impact indicators, and compliance audit results. These metrics provide a baseline for measuring progress and identifying areas for improvement.
Conduct Regular Audits and Inspections: Regular audits and inspections are crucial for assessing compliance with EHS regulations and internal policies. These evaluations can be conducted by internal teams or external auditors to ensure objectivity. Audits should review documentation, inspect facilities, and interview employees to gauge the implementation and effectiveness of EHS processes. Findings from audits should be documented, and corrective actions should be implemented promptly.
Monitor Incident and Near-Miss Data: Tracking incidents, injuries, and near-misses is vital for understanding the effectiveness of EHS processes. This data can reveal trends and patterns that indicate underlying issues or areas of concern. Organizations should analyze this data to identify root causes and implement preventive measures. Additionally, encouraging employees to report near-misses can provide valuable insights into potential hazards before they result in actual incidents.
Assess Employee Training and Engagement: Employee training and engagement are critical components of EHS effectiveness. Regular training ensures that employees are aware of potential hazards, understand safety procedures, and know how to respond in emergencies. Evaluating the effectiveness of training programs can be done through assessments, feedback surveys, and observation of employee behavior. Engaged employees are more likely to adhere to safety protocols and contribute to a culture of safety within the organization.
Review Compliance with Regulatory Requirements: Compliance with regulatory requirements is a fundamental aspect of EHS processes. Organizations should regularly review their adherence to relevant laws and regulations. This includes maintaining accurate records, staying up-to-date with regulatory changes, and ensuring that all necessary permits and licenses are obtained. Non-compliance can result in legal penalties and damage to the organization's reputation.
Implement Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Continuous improvement is essential for maintaining and enhancing EHS effectiveness. Organizations should establish mechanisms for regularly reviewing and updating EHS processes. This might involve setting up cross-functional teams to identify improvement opportunities, conducting risk assessments, and benchmarking against industry best practices. Continuous improvement efforts should focus on eliminating hazards, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing overall safety and sustainability.
Foster a Culture of Safety and Responsibility: A culture of safety and responsibility is the foundation of effective EHS processes. Organizations should promote a culture where safety is prioritized, and all employees are encouraged to take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others. This can be achieved through leadership commitment, clear communication, and recognition of safe behaviors. A strong safety culture ensures that EHS processes are not just policies on paper but are actively practiced and valued by everyone in the organization.

GPRS Supports Your EHS Processes

Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) processes are indispensable for organizations committed to protecting their employees, the environment, and their operational integrity. By implementing robust EHS programs, organizations can achieve regulatory compliance, promote sustainability, and enhance their overall efficiency.

GPRS supports your EHS processes through our comprehensive suite of subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and construction & facilities project management services. Our 99.8%+ accurate utility locating and concrete scanning services, pinpoint accurate leak detection, and NASSCO-certified video pipe inspections protect your workers from the dangers of subsurface damage.

From skyscrapers to sewer lines, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® to keep you and your team on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does GPRS perform S.U.E. work?

Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) reduces the risk and improves the accuracy of subsurface utility readings. It is broken down into four levels of quality, governed by ASCE Standard 38-02. GPRS provides private utility locating services but does not currently provide a fully comprehensive in-house SUE service. GPRS does not provide engineering services. If you need professional engineering services, please contact a professional engineer.

How does GPRS ensure quality of service?

GPRS Project Mangers undergo a rigorous training program to ensure you have the most reliable and accurate infrastructure visualization services at your disposal. This includes the Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM), which consists of 320 hours of field training and 80 hours of classroom training during which Project Managers tackle real-world scenarios in a safe and structured environment.

The Role of Technology in Alleviating the Construction Worker Shortage

The construction field is facing a worker shortage, but technology may hold the answers needed to overcome the shortage, while revitalizing the industry. Learn more about how SiteMap® can help overcome the worker shortage, while simplifying the construction industry.

Although it seems like almost everyone knows someone in construction, the industry is facing a severe shortage of workers.

To meet labor demands in 2024, the construction sector will need to add approximately 501,000 new workers, beyond the usual hiring rate. Technology could help mitigate this shortage by boosting productivity and efficiency, allowing more work to be done with fewer workers. In 2021, 53.7% of construction companies reported having a process for testing and implementing new technologies. Yet, transitioning to a more streamlined approach isn't without challenges. How can SiteMap^® (patent pending), powered by GPRS, and similar technologies make a difference?

A group of construction workers walks towards a building under construction. — The construction industry continues to face a severe worker shortage.

Boosting Productivity

Technology holds significant promise for enhancing productivity. For example, McKinsey highlighted an engineering firm that attracted workers by integrating robotics into their operations. Additionally, a report described a heavy equipment manufacturer that utilized "cobots" to automate repetitive tasks, leading to a 40% increase in productivity and a 50% boost in resource efficiency. Another manufacturer featured in the report leveraged digital twins and remote controls, allowing employees to address issues from anywhere globally, which reduced vacancies by 25% and nearly doubled productivity.

Technology is poised to elevate productivity and rejuvenate the construction industry without overshadowing it. It promises to attract new talent and support existing workers, ushering in a new era of construction efficiency and management.

Here’s how technology like SiteMap^® can contribute to this new era of construction:

Streamlining Data Management: SiteMap^®consolidates your 99.8% accurate GPRS data, along with self-provided sources and other GIS integrations, into a single, accessible platform. This streamlines data entry and retrieval, freeing up time for workers to focus on more critical tasks. While SiteMap^® includes its own user-friendly GIS component, it also seamlessly integrates with your existing GIS software, enhancing data safety and security. With GPRS' 99.8% accuracy in GPR utility locating and concrete scanning across over 500,000 jobs, SiteMap^® ensures that workers can easily access essential information, making their work more efficient.
Enhancing Communication: Effective communication is vital for construction projects. SiteMap^® offers tools that facilitate seamless communication and collaboration, ensuring that all stakeholders and team members are aligned. This reduces delays from miscommunications and helps keep projects on track. Additionally, SiteMap^® allows you to print, save, or copy data, enabling you to share real-time subsurface information in any format that meets your needs.
Optimizing Resource Allocation: SiteMap^® offers detailed insights into project progress and resource utilization, allowing project managers to allocate resources more effectively. This ensures efficient use of labor and materials, reducing waste and boosting overall productivity. With a clear view of where issues are occurring, managers can strategically direct resources to the most critical areas, managing tasks with enhanced understanding and efficiency.
Improving Safety: In 2022, the U.S. construction industry reported the highest number of fatal work-related accidents, with 1,092 deaths. Additionally, there were 4.5 million medically consulted injuries among construction workers, the highest of any industry. Clearly, safety is a major concern in construction. SiteMap® addresses safety metrics and helps ensure compliance with regulations. By identifying potential hazards early, the platform aids in accident prevention and reduces downtime from safety incidents. Backed by GPRS, SiteMap^® provides accurate data to make informed decisions about where to dig, bore, or scrape. Furthermore, joining GPRS’ JobSite Plus program enhances your safety benefits even more. As a GPRS Project Plus partner, GPRS becomes your sole provider for utility locating, concrete scanning, pipe inspection, 3D laser scanning, and creating advanced CAD drawings, maps, and models tailored to your project, guaranteeing safety, accuracy, and excellence throughout.
Reducing Rework: Mistakes and rework are both costly and time-consuming. SiteMap^® allows managers to engage in precise planning and monitoring, enabling early identification and correction of errors, which minimizes the need for rework. This not only saves valuable time but also conserves resources. With SiteMap^®, you benefit from GPRS’ 99.8% accuracy in subsurface visualization, providing a comprehensive, instant snapshot—covering past, present, and future data—all securely stored in a centralized, accessible database.
Supporting Remote Work: With the rise of remote work, SiteMap^® enables project managers and stakeholders to track progress and make decisions without needing to be physically on-site. This flexibility not only helps attract a wider range of talent to the industry but also simplifies worksite management, allowing both managers and workers to monitor key areas from a distance.

As of May 2023, there were 336,000 job openings in the U.S. construction industry. Despite significant funding from the Biden Administration, many firms still face difficulties in finding the necessary labor, with about 80% of construction companies struggling to recruit workers. However, technology like SiteMap^® offers powerful solutions to address this issue. By streamlining data management, enhancing communication, optimizing resource allocation, and improving safety, SiteMap^® helps the construction industry achieve more with fewer workers. Sometimes, doing more with less is possible, especially with SiteMap^® on your side—a platform that truly delivers.

Contact us today for more information on how technology can help address the construction labor shortage, and how SiteMap^® can help you plan, design, manage, dig, and ultimately build better.

Learn more about 3D Laser Scanning for Accident Reconstruction.

3D Laser Scan Data for Forensic Solutions

In this article, we answer your questions about 3D laser scanning and show how this technology supports our clients in designing state-of-the-art visual solutions that help them settle their accident sites and incident scene cases faster.

How to Get the Highest Quality 3D Visuals for Accident Sites

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Q: What industries have you conducted inspections for?

We have documented accident sites and incident scenes with accurate distance and angle measurements, which are important for the reconstructionist or the forensic specialist. GPRS can construct customized deliverables, such as 2D orthoimages or fly-through videos to offer viewpoints for any location within the scene. We are a nationally recognized leader in the laser scanning industry, providing 3D laser scanning and scan to BIM services to support accident site and incident scene cases.

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Q; What are some of the considerations when inspecting a large environmental area? More specifically, a roadway or busy intersection?

Be sure to define the target area for data collection and communicate it with your service provider. Each laser scan is line of sight, many scans may potentially be needed to completely document a large area. This can be completed quickly though, as the scanner captures millions of data points from each scan location in a few minutes.

For busy intersections or roadways, scanning can be completed safely from the side of the road at a precautionary distance. By repeating the scan from additional positions and then merging the resulting data, a comprehensive 3D point cloud of the site is created. Let your service provider know if you would like vehicles removed from the data. Most moving vehicles become “blips” in the data and can be cleaned during registration. Stationary vehicles could be more problematic as they may block pertinent data from being captured behind the vehicle.

Be sure to define what is needed for the site, for example, would you need deliverables such as:

Point cloud data
2D CAD drawings
3D models
2D orthoimages
HD videos
HD photos

We are constantly working on improving the quality of visuals that our team creates for your cases. It is truly extraordinary how fast this technology has advanced just within the past few years. GPRS continues to work with state-of-the-art techniques that make our data collection and measurements more accurate than ever before. When using the data collected to develop forensic animations, we know that it will be of the highest quality - and tell the story of your case down to the millimeter detail.

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Source: Forensic Solutions: How to Get the Highest Quality Visuals | High Impact® Visual Litigation Strategies™

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