Formatted Title
Office versus Field: Utilizing Graphic Information Systems (GIS) to Bridge the Gap
Background/Objectives
Background/Objectives. It is common practice to generate remedial designs from remote offices without any physical presence on the actual site. Remedial designers often rely on historical aerial photographs, CAD drawings, and Google Earth for this purpose. When utilizing in situ remedial technologies to design a permeable reactive barrier (PRB), point spacing and sequential placement perpendicular to groundwater flow are major components to success.
Site obstructions, utility corridors, etc., frequently deviate from the original “as-designed” injection point placement. With the use of graphic information systems (GIS), a precise map can be created in real time that facilitates collaboration between clients, the remedial designer, and the field team to make informed and technically sound decisions on modifications.
Approach/Activities
Approach/Activities. Once the field team mobilizes and has a physical presence on the site, the process of collecting and reporting information becomes increasingly valuable. Using a sub-meter global navigation satellite system (GNSS) device, the field team can gather highly accurate locations for utilities, proposed injection points, and potential obstructions. Utilizing a GIS framework ensures these data are instantly integrated into an accessible database, enabling the rapid generation of precise maps within minutes. GIS-derived maps allow the project team to effectively address any site-specific complexities and make necessary adjustments to point placement while maintaining the technical integrity of the project.
Results/Lessons Learned
Results/Lessons Learned. A case study will be presented demonstrating the benefits of delivering a real-time GIS solution to both the remedial designer and client. An example site will be presented showing a 1,065-foot PRB used to treat chlorinated solvents migrating away from an airport. Several adjustments were made to the barrier geometry due to on-site logistical complexities. A comparison of the proposed barrier and the actual barrier placement will be shown to highlight the significance of the changes made and the utility of GIS throughout the process.