In today’s fast-paced world, the need for efficient and accurate infrastructure planning has become more crucial than ever. With the rapid growth of urbanization and the increasing demand for sustainable development, traditional methods of infrastructure planning are no longer sufficient. The nation’s urban population increased by 6.4% between 2010 and 2020 based on 2020 Census data. Of the nation’s four census regions, the West Region remains the most urban, with 88.9% of its population residing within an urban area, followed by the Northeast Region, at 84.0%. The South and Midwest regions continue to have lower percentages of population living in urban areas than the nation, with rates of 75.8% and 74.3%, respectively.

Geospatial solutions can provide a more advanced and effective approach to infrastructure planning to support the nation’s urban growth. How is SiteMap® (patent pending), powered by GPRS, revolutionizing infrastructure planning in the modern age? 

 

A Plan For the Future

Infrastructure planning is the process of designing, constructing, and maintaining the physical structures and systems that support our daily lives. It is often an important part of urban planning and urbanization, which allows us to create cities and towns for the nation’s growing population. This includes roads, bridges, buildings, water and sewage systems, and more. With increasing population and urbanization, the demand for efficient and sustainable infrastructure planning has become more pressing. Traditional methods of infrastructure planning, such as manual surveys and paper-based maps, may sometimes struggle to keep up with the high demand for current construction. This is where geospatial solutions, such as SiteMap®, come into play.

Imagine trying to build an entire city’s worth of infrastructure by just staring at a piece of paper? Imagine having to show that same piece of paper to a crew of 100 people or more, and those same people having to coordinate with accuracy throughout a sprawling job site, full of crumpled-up maps tossed into the mud. The truth is that this still happens all too often, and so do utility strikes, accidents, and damages, which are still on a three-year rise according to the 2022 DIRT Report. Can you guess why? 

SiteMap® helps project managers, facility managers, and AEC professionals intelligently visualize and understand their job site or facility, creating a connection between workers and their site that has never been seen before. This technology is accurate, efficient, and suitable for teams and jobs of all types. SiteMap® is suitable for the future. 

Traditional Methods of Infrastructure Planning

Traditional methods of infrastructure planning involve manual surveys, paper-based maps, and on-site inspections. These methods are time-consuming, costly, and sometimes prone to errors. They also lack the ability to provide real-time updates and data analysis, making it difficult to make informed decisions. 

Moreover, traditional methods are not suitable for large-scale projects and can be challenging to implement in remote areas. According to the International Best Practice for Urban Planning, put out by the International Transport Forum, planning methodology needs to address risks and uncertainties, take into account binding policy constraints, and include considerations of pricing the use of infrastructure. When choosing a methodology, their report also said:

• A successful infrastructure planning process balances a stable framework with maintaining flexibility.
• The planning process requires clear objectives, a degree of independence and an open, collaborative approach.
• It is important to consider how demand for scarce infrastructure can be managed. Debt management needs to be part of any strategic investment plan.
• A top-down approach could foster the development of an analytical framework for investment decisions reflecting both demand and supply side considerations.
• Infrastructure planning across sectors can help identify the most important systemic risks early.

The fact is that traditional methods don’t check these boxes in a way that is sustainable and scalable. However, SiteMap® offers a comprehensive utility mapping and infrastructure visualization solution that allows you to see a comprehensive, layered underground utility map of your area online, without any hassles. SiteMap® is powered by the 99.8% accuracy rating of GPRS, giving you quite possibly the most accurate subsurface data you can get. 

What About SiteMap®?

SiteMap® is a geospatial solution that utilizes advanced technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to provide accurate and real-time data for infrastructure planning. It is a web-based application and mobile app that allows users to access and analyze data from anywhere in the world, making it a convenient and efficient tool for infrastructure planning. 

SiteMap® is powered by GPRS, who developed the technology as a more user-friendly data visualization method for our customers. GPRS Intelligently Visualizes the Built World™ above and below ground with a verified 99.8% accuracy rate for utility locating, utility mapping & concrete scanning, using the most advanced ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) imaging technology available, and we back it up with our Green Box Guarantee. Our NASSCO-certified video pipe inspection (CCTV) & leak detection services find pipe defects, blocks, and leaks with pinpoint accuracy, and our 3D laser scanning, CAD design, and BIM modeling services are accurate within millimeters.

Comparing SiteMap® to Traditional Methods

Accuracy

Accuracy and precision are crucial in infrastructure planning, and SiteMap® excels in this aspect. With the use of advanced technologies, SiteMap® viualizes your highly accurate and precise GPRS data, eliminating the margin of error present in traditional methods. This not only saves time and cost but also ensures the safety and sustainability of the project.

Time and Cost 

Time and cost efficiency are also significant advantages of SiteMap® over traditional methods. SiteMap® gives project managers the ability to visualize and analyze data in a layered, easy to understand form. SiteMap® reduces the time and cost involved in infrastructure planning. It also eliminates the need for multiple, lengthy on-site tests and intrusive diagnostics, which can be time-consuming, damaging, and costly.

Data Management 

Data management and analysis are essential in making informed decisions in infrastructure planning. SiteMap® offers a user-friendly interface that allows users to access and analyze data easily. It also provides various tools for data visualization, making it easier to identify patterns, trends, and utilities. SiteMap® stores, layers, and geolocates everything from drone photogrammetry to 3D BIM walkthroughs to conceptual site models, abandoned pipes, and USTs.

User Friendliness

User-friendliness is another significant advantage of SiteMap®. Unlike traditional visualization methods, which require specialized skills and training, SiteMap® is designed to be user-friendly and accessible to all. This makes it a more inclusive and efficient tool for infrastructure planning. You need no extra training and no extra equipment to use SiteMap®. The SiteMap® app is also intuitive, easy to use, and was built for quick access for exceptional underground mapping capabilities. 

Updates and Monitoring 

Real-time monitoring and updates are crucial in infrastructure planning, especially in disaster management. SiteMap® provides accurate data and visualizations of your site to help you prepare. Your SiteMap® will show only the data from the jobs ordered through GPRS, or data we have uploaded to your SiteMap® as part of your advanced subscription. SiteMap® provides an outstanding view of all the data you’ll need for proper planning and execution. This makes it an ultimate tool, allowing for quick response and decision-making in case of emergencies.

The beauty of SiteMap® is that it can geolocate every piece of information so the content can be located and cross-referenced on demand. Here are just a few of SiteMap’s features:

• Secure cloud-based storage
• Upload and store as-built drawings and site records
• Ability to import existing infrastructure data
• Attach videos, photos, GPR data, and other documents
• Access to GPRS data

The Future of Infrastructure Planning with SiteMap®

The potential for growth and development of SiteMap® is immense. With the possibility for integration of other technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things, SiteMap® has the potential to revolutionize infrastructure planning further. It also plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable development goals by providing accurate and efficient data for decision-making.

Currently, SiteMap® stands on the forefront of infrastructure development by providing easy access to important subsurface data. Teams are able to effectively plan and execute infrastructure projects by utilizing the data presented by SiteMap®, shareable across your team, and beyond. 

One of the most important features of SiteMap® is its direct connection to GPRS. GPRS is the largest private utility locator in the United States, and it holds the most comprehensive collection of utility information. As a result, users have access to the most accurate and current maps and facility information. How can we ensure that the information provided is accurate? The scanning accuracy rate is 99.8% or higher on over 500,000 completed projects.

When it comes to geospatial solutions, SiteMap® is transforming infrastructure planning in the modern age. With its advanced technologies, accuracy, and efficiency, SiteMap®® offers a more effective and sustainable approach to infrastructure planning. As we continue to face challenges in urbanization and sustainable development, the role of geospatial solutions will only become more critical. Put down your map, there’s a better solution in town, and that solution is SiteMap®. 

Contact us today to learn more about how SiteMap® can help fuel your project’s success.