February 2018CIOAPPLICATIONS.COM9This might include property size, block and lot numbers, location, ownership history, tax assessment and whatever else you deem important information to have when reviewing the current condition of a property. Because GIS uses GPS, you can tag an asset in the GIS program so it can be queried for future navigation by using a digital pad or smart phone.GIS at its best is built on a system of map layers. Once you have an interactive base map, you can overlay information about the corresponding street system that might show the location of fire hydrants, storm drains, outfalls, stop signs, etc. Details about each of these assets can be accessed via standard drop down lists, enabling field staff to select asset characteristics such as the manufacturer, condition, repair history, replacement scheduling, service requests, and who performed the work. Even the screws used to hold them in place can all be tracked by this geo database management application. Having this information readily at your fingertips greatly expedites scheduling service requests and workflows. And it gets better. GIS Technician Samuel Firmenich gathers real-time GPS data on a stormwater conveyance system for a municipality's GIS asset management program.Field to officeToday's GIS programs are web-based which gives end-users the capability to store a large amount of data within a secure web server (the cloud), enables field staff to verify the location of the asset and enter or edit current details about it upon visual inspection directly into the system in real time. It also can be configured to enable staff to launch live service requests, manage, and report on the status of those work assignments directly from the field. It is also immediately accessible by office staff. This has been a game-changer. Because GIS captures data related to positions on the earth's surface, it can also provide aerial imagery. Having an accurate snapshot of your asset location stored on the cloud before a disaster occurs, such as a hurricane or severe flooding, can help expedite post storm repairs because you have an exact record of what previously existed. Even if fire or flooding were to destroy original documents and computer files, having them stored in the web-based GIS server cloud would keep them safely intact. GIS programs are also a valuable tool because they offer design tools for the creation of construction documents and as-built plans. ConclusionUsing GIS asset management solutions provides one access point for viewing, maintaining, and managing your assets. While the initial implementation of a GIS application takes a little leg work to set up, once it is up and running, it is well worth the investment to have the depth of detail regarding your assets and an improvement in your ability to manage them. Today's GIS programs are web-based which gives end-users the capability to store a large amount of data within a secure web server
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