Integration with GIS technology

The use of existing GIS data during the preliminary investigation stage is advantageous.  The main benefit is that GIS data can be used for discussions and preliminary layouts before a field survey is complete.  This takes survey out of the critical path of design, speeding up the overall project process.  There are also other GIS functions which allow for analysis, modeling and conceptual design.  The display capabilities of the technology allow for maps that are more easily understood by the community than traditional CAD maps, allowing for better communication with residents and City staff.

The following data can be used in streamlining the project process:

• Parcel Data – Used to identify property lines and residents within a project area
• Roads Data – Used for basic mapping and coordinating with sunshine one
• Project Boundary – Created by project to determine surrounding properties and projects
• Aerial Photographs – Identify possible field conditions for conceptual layou
• Drainage / Sewer / Water Atlas – Used to determine existing conditions
• USDA Soils – Used for drainage permit maps
• Flood Zones – Used for drainage permit maps
• LIDAR – used for topographic modeling of drainage basins
• Building Footprints – used for calculating pervious / impervious areas for drainage modeling
• Rainfall data – used for drainage modeling
• Contamination Sites – Used for dewatering permits

Due to the nature of GIS, this data can be seamlessly overlaid on the survey data when it becomes available.  The benefit of this approach was recently demonstrated during a Broward County Utility Replacement Project when all preliminary meetings and discussions were completed using only GIS data.  The 30% report (Technical Memorandum) was submitted 2 days after the survey was completed.