Tech Focus: The Power of GIS in Linear Construction and Infrastructure Projects
Linear construction projects – or projects that take place within public or private rights-of-way where contamination is encountered – are a growing part of Langan’s work as utility companies upgrade their systems for expanding energy needs, modernize their networks, and address issues around the resiliency of their systems. Langan supports utility clients by combining our GIS (Geographic Information System) capabilities with our site evaluation, project planning, site design, and regulatory constraints analysis services.
Evaluating linear construction projects that inherently cover large swaths of land is challenging in the simplest of circumstances. However, in a situation where a project team must first define where the linear infrastructure feature is located and evaluate the potential regulated areas before moving into field verification of those features, the power of GIS is undeniable.
While many firms utilize GIS software to support their work, Langan’s commitment to a stand-alone GIS group creates a higher level of expertise throughout the firm. This pushes the team’s capabilities far beyond making maps, allowing them to apply the most powerful functions of GIS software for project planning and design.
Working in conjunction with Langan’s GIS team, our natural resources group works efficiently over long utility runs to quickly identify property ownership issues, map and understand potentially regulated areas, and evaluate areas that can support construction staging. GIS tools such as Data Driven Pages help create multiple maps of varying extents and orientations from just one layout. Being able to quickly focus on the analysis of these areas at a high level allows us to apply our technical knowledge and experience to design and permit specific improvements sooner and more effectively.
As the world continues to combat climate change, protect existing infrastructure, and update or create systems for energy supply and transportation, GIS remains an integral tool for these situations. Langan understands the power of GIS to effectively plan, design, and permit the changes that will be required, and looks forward to working with clients to meet those challenges.