A Dive into GIS and Innovative Water Solutions
Chad Smeltzer
CEO of Bidcurement | The Infrastructure Network | VP of Technology at Maze of Life | Podcast Host | Providing Solutions to Optimize Organizations through People, Processes, and Procurement
Hi Everyone
It was a pleasure to meet with Justin Fabio Guerra from the Texas Rural Water Association (TRWA) . In our discussion, we dove into our respective experiences in the water and sewer industry. Justin is recognized as a trailblazer and an innovator, challenging traditional and manual inspection processes of civil infrastructure. These conventional methods have historically escalated costs and extended timelines significantly.
Justin's expertise in deploying drone technology and Geographic Information System (GIS) has positioned him and TRWA at a competitive edge. This technological leverage disrupts the norm by offering a more efficient alternative to the time-consuming and expensive manual inspection processes that have burdened the civil infrastructure sector for decades.
Additionally, our conversation highlighted the paramount importance of data integrity. We discussed the critical need for organizations to maintain control over their data, ensuring it is neither held hostage by third parties nor used detrimentally against them.
I extend my gratitude to Justin for sharing his insights and for his dedication to assisting communities in Texas. His contribution to their digital transformation journey in civil infrastructure is commendable. Justin's prior service in the military also deserves our acknowledgment and appreciation.
Thank you, Justin, for the valuable time you spent with us, enlightening our listeners about the innovative strides in the water and sewer industry.
Water shortages, faltering electricity grids, and crumbling infrastructure have become pressing concerns for American communities.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation:
GIS and Drones: Enhancing Infrastructure Data Collection
The integration of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and the use of drones are transforming how water infrastructure is managed. Justin Guerra reveals the synergy between these tools in improving efficiency and accuracy. By accessing historical maps and corroborating data with the hands-on knowledge of operators, GIS can create detailed, reliable utility maps. Drones further amplify this advancement, enabling water leak detection and safe inspections of elevated tanks, saving time and reducing risk for utility workers.
"I try to go over as builds any kind of old CAD files that they might have of their water infrastructure, lay that on the map...and then export that out as waypoints for my drone," Guerra explains. This method allows operators to focus more on analyzing incoming data, like thermal imagery, which is crucial for identifying leaks.
The use of drones also eliminates the need for risky manual inspections of water towers, aligning with safety protocols and minimizing potential hazards for the workforce. Guerra's account demonstrates that technology not only provides an innovative approach but also maintains operational safety.
Tapping Into Field Operators' Institutional Knowledge
A recurring theme in the conversation is the importance of leveraging the institutional knowledge of field operators. Guerra stresses the invaluable insights that come directly from those who manage water systems daily. Often, operators are not actively included in the engineering process, creating a disconnect between design plans and on-the-ground reality.
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"They're the ones that deal with it on a daily basis," Guerra points out. Including operators in the GIS mapping process helps correct inaccuracies and ensures the creation of more refined and accurate infrastructure data.
For engineers and GIS professionals, acknowledging and integrating operator experiences can lead to improved design, emergency readiness, and operational protocols. Guerra's practice of elevating operators' voices is an example of how collaborative approaches can lead to better-managed utilities.
The Imperative of Data Sharing in Community Utilities
Data sharing is presented as a critical step toward the betterment of communities and the long-term viability of utilities. It represents a break from the traditional "gatekeeping" approach, where individuals hold onto critical information for job security. Guerra's approach emphasizes the greater good—an ethos that prioritizes community resilience over individual gain.
"If you don't divulge, don't share it, that goes with you to your grave," states Guerra, highlighting the risks of not sharing vital information within the utility workforce.
By building a culture that encourages the exchange of data, communities can not only improve their existing infrastructure but also better prepare for unforeseen circumstances. Sharing GIS and infrastructure data can lead to cooperative efforts between different utility companies, optimizing operations and preventing costly errors, such as unintentional service disruption during maintenance or emergency situations.
As the conversation draws to a close, the points raised by Smeltzer and Guerra unambiguously champion a bold and collaborative approach to revamping American infrastructure.
The application of GIS and drones, the extraction and utilization of field operators' wisdom, and the open exchange of data are more than just innovative ideas—they are practical solutions with profound implications for the sustainability and reliability of our water utilities and, by extension, our communities.
By considering these touchpoints, infrastructure management can transition from a reactive to a proactive stance, eagerly pacing toward a future where technology not only resolves embryonic issues but also resolutely secures the fundamentals of community well-being.
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