Tri-Global Technologies LLC will demonstrate the new capabilities of the Tri-Global UtiliMapper 2.0 underground asset mapping suite at the GITA GIS for Oil & Gas Conference being held Sept. 24-26, 2007, in Houston. The latest enhancements to the UtiliMapper solution dramatically improve the efficiency of mapping buried pipelines, cables and other assets.
“Tri-Global Technologies continually strives to upgrade our UtiliMapper product suite based on the concept that location accuracy, ease-of-use and safety are the most important requirements of pipeline infrastructure mapping solutions,” said Dennis Heath, Managing Partner of Tri-Global Technologies.
The Tri-Global UtiliMapper 2.0 suite is being featured as one element in the 2007 Utility Locating Grant Program. Applications for the grants will be available in the Tri-Global booth and will be accepted until October 1, 2007. Up to three grants will be awarded, and each will include complete training and free use of underground mapping hardware and software for one year.
The high-accuracy UtiliMapper software suite establishes direct communication between Trimble® GPS-based mobile GIS field data collectors and Radiodetection underground locator devices for rapid mapping of asset location and pipeline integrity. UtiliMapper enables users to easily collect data relating to buried pipeline centerline location, depth-of-cover measurements, external coating direct assessments (ECDA), and ROW condition inspections.
With real-time differential correction capabilities, UtiliMapper is the most accurate underground mapping solution in the market. Enhancements in Version 2.0 include advanced HCA (high consequence area) capture tools that enable users to integrate laser range finders for remote mapping of HCA structures. New HCA pull-down menus in the UtiliMapper software prompt the user to collect necessary attributes for each structure.
UtiliMapper 2.0 also supports the new PCM+ (Pipeline Current Mapper) from Radiodetection Ltd. Providing simultaneous measurement of PCM current and voltage gradient, the PCM+ underground locator device now offers faster current mapping capabilities by cutting processing time to just three seconds. Other advancements in the new UtiliMapper include a more streamlined user interface and enhanced ROW condition, pipeline exposure and waterway inspection forms.
Located in Booth 600 in the GITA Exhibit Hall, Tri-Global Technologies will conduct live demonstrations of UtiliMapper 2.0 capabilities, including examples of integration with devices from Trimble Navigation, Radiodetection, ESRI, LaserCraft, and Laser Technologies. Tri-Global will also hold a Solutions Spotlight on Wednesday, Sept. 26, at 10:30 am in the Briarpark Room of the Marriott Westchase Hotel in Houston.
Tri-Global Technologies invites interested parties to pick up an application for the 2007 Utility Locating Grant Program at the booth or by downloading directly from the website at www.triglobal.net/2007UtilityLocatingGrantProgram.pdf. Jointly sponsored with Radiodetection Ltd., this program will provide successful applicants with integrated hardware/software bundles that can be used to locate, identify and map underground cables, pipes and other buried assets.
“Tri-Global and Radiodetection developed the Utility Locating Grants to introduce our underground mapping solution to utilities, pipeline operators, telecommunication firms, contract locators and one-call boards,” said Heath.
Each grant recipient will receive a one-year lease on the following:
— Tri-Global UtiliMapper 2.0 extension for ESRI ArcPad
— Trimble GeoXH™ handheld field computer with GPS
— Radiodetection RD4000 Line Locator
— ESRI ArcPad Field Kit
— Trimble GPScorrect™ ArcPad Extension and GPS Pathfinder Office® software
— Radiodetection T10 Transmitter
In a typical underground mapping solution, a field technician uses a Radiodetection locator device to pinpoint where a pipeline or cable is buried with an accuracy of less than a foot. This information is transmitted to the Trimble GeoXH mobile GIS unit running ArcPad and UtiliMapper software. The UtiliMapper software converts the X, Y values of the pipeline or cable centerline into digital GIS files within ArcPad. If the operator inputs the diameter of the buried line, the software calculates negative Z values for the centerline depth as well, so the pipeline can be mapped in three dimensions in the GIS.
Source: Tri-Global