SBS has partnered with Tri-Global Technologies, LLC to bring mobile device functionality to the Utility DataHub™ suite of integration tools. “UDH – Mobile” seamlessly shares geospatially-enabled models between the Tri-Global Trimble based mobile solution and AutoCAD® Utility Design (AUD). UDH-Mobile’s two-way data sharing makes in-the-field design, staking, data collection, and automated structural engineering easier than ever before.
Staking Solutions
AUD has a robust and customizable engineering capability, making it ideal for large or complex electric design jobs; however, many utilities prefer GPS or tablet-based mobile staking solutions. UDH – Mobile supports the “best of breed” solution by directly exporting the compatible unit library and design features created in AUD with their coordinates to mobile devices.
Using Utility Data Hub – Mobile to export a design. UDH includes a title block drawn from .dwg functionality
Integrating AUD model-based spatially enabled staking and GPS field staking produces clear, precise designs with minimal paper and ambiguity.
In-the-Field Design
Landscapes are complex and can change rapidly, especially in new development. Some design is best done with eyes on the ground. UDH – Mobile is capable of loading a utility’s existing assembly units to a GPS device. By selecting desired assembly units in the field, designers can lay out a design including poles, spans, and devices with x/y and z coordinates exactly where they need to be placed.
Imported features from a Tri-Global enabled Trimble device: new features, locations, and unique IDs to track
Visual tree and properties in the UDH menu provides intuitive report of import
Using the UDH – Mobile’s Import from Mobile feature, AUD recreates the field collected staked design in a new drawing. AUD’s engineering validation rules will automatically flag where designs deviate from a utility’s standards as a proofing and editing tool.
AUD’s validation catches errors in design based on utility’s business practices and standards
Data Collection
Using the Tri-Global solution to capture existing field elements is functionally similar to designing in the field. Capturing GPS coordinates of specific assembly units in the field generates a clean and accurate data set of existing assets. UDH – Mobile can bring captured field data into AUD to be checked for standards compliance by designers and mappers. For utilities implementing GIS solutions, or looking to clean up existing data, this functionality is essential for creating and maintaining a clean database.
Within the UDH Workflow
UDH – Mobile is a valuable standalone tool, but its value is multiplied when included in the Utility Data Hub suite of integration tools. UDH – Mobile is fully compatible with Utility Data Hub – GIS, Work Management System, and NetMaps. A full UDH suite allows users to obtain up-to-date jobs, assembly units, and costs; design a network within AUD with cached satellite imagery and geocodes; using UDH – Mobile to export staking information to field devices; and completing a job by bringing highly accurate as-built designs back into AUD for inspection and archiving.
UDH – Mobile’s jobs browser draws from the same spatially-enabled jobs browser contained within the Utility Data Hub – Work Order system
Benefits
- Provides highly accurate staking information
- Field crews quickly and easily capture as-built or existing assets
- Reduces the need for manual data entry, saving time and reducing error
- Fits into the Utility Data Hub workflow; fully compatible with other Utility Data Hub features
- UDH—Mobile is a supported software which will always be kept compatible with both ends of the interface.
Live demonstrations with Q&A December 2-4, 2014 at Autodesk University. To learn more or set up a time, contact pat.reid@spatialbiz.comm or find anyone wearing a shirt with the SBS logo.
