What is Field Data Collector?
Field Data Collector (FDC) is a geospatial mapping and data collection application which has been specifically designed to support the underground utility community. The platform enables design engineers, locators, excavators, facility operators, and emergency responders to access and modify critical utility information on construction sites when they need it most.
FDC was also designed to streamline the workflow from field data collection to database update so that the process is completed in hours instead of weeks - a dramatic improvement over current workflows.
Development and Integration:
- Development of version 1.0 was supported by PHMSA grant funding so that FDC would be an open-source, community-owned project
- FDC has been designed to integrate directly with FuzionView and aggregate all utility location data (GIS) into a single visualization "on the fly"
While FuzionView is designed to aggregate dig-site data which already exists in facility operator systems, FDC is designed to facilitate the collection of data that can be used to update the location of buried infrastructure in facility operator databases.
Key Features
Search utility tickets by number and type
Navigate with interactive mapping and zoom to location
Draw and edit utility features in the field
Attach photos and documents to tickets
Switch between multiple basemap options
Operate seamlessly on mobile devices in the field
Support to the Underground Utility Community
When full development is complete, FDC will be able to support multiple different data collection workflows of value to the underground utility community. Four primary examples are shown below.
1 Unknown Infrastructure Reporting
In this scenario, field personnel can use FDC's mobile interface to map and document unknown infrastructure at dig sites. Data captured on-site can then be synced to a SharedGeo managed server, where it is available for viewing in FuzionView provided the 811 service provider has been enabled that capability.
2 Data Collection - GPS Enabled Locating Equipment
In this use case, data captured in the field by GPS enabled locating equipment can be submitted via an email to a facility operator for review and potential incorporation into their geospatial database. If vetted and approved by the facility operator, the updated data will then be available through the normal FuzionView access process.
3 Bulk Uploading of Geospatial Data
FDC has been designed to facilitate the upload of data sets which in many case are currently being discarded or unavailable. Directional boring records or design engineering files would be examples. Once uploaded, this data will reside on a SharedGeo managed server where it is available for viewing in FuzionView provided that capability has been enabled by the 811 service provider.
4 Project Collaboration
To enable project collaboration, design engineers, locators and excavators can use FDC to route data to a secure SharedGeo server where it available for use by a workgroup. Users of this approach maintain control over data sharing permissions, determining which project group members can view and access contributed information.
About the Developers
Support FDC Development
Community donations help us continue development and add new features.