Integration of typical locate data towards rapid 3D utility models

Abstract

The introduction of new technologies has made it possible to improve traditional fieldwork practices with advanced visualization tools, such as Augmented Reality (AR). This study evaluates the impact of such technologies in real-life conditions, using empirical data collected in collaboration with a leading locate services company. The initial findings of this ongoing study indicate that the application of advanced AR tools to locate service reduces the time to complete locates by up to half. The impact on the completion time appears to vary depending upon the type of locate, the duration of the locate, the competency of the locator, the amount of retired and in-service infrastructure the owner has in the ground and the complexity of the infrastructure owner records. The study identified time savings of 12–20 hours per locator per month. This approximately 10% productivity boost recorded by the study confirms the vast potential of visualization technologies in the locate industry and the utilities space in general. The study also captured participant opinions about whether the AR system improved or negatively affected their safety and the ease of doing their jobs. The data indicate that the use of AR made locates easier while having no impact on safety.