GLASS – Utility Plan Digitisation

Utility companies supply plans in a variety of formats and to a number of scales, with the potential to cause significant confusion to an end-user. At Technics we offer a simple solution: the Geo Layered Asset Survey System (GLASS), otherwise known as utility plan digitisation.

What is digitisation?

There are many modern GIS data creation methods, however the most common method is digitisation. Digitisation is the process of taking a static copy of a map or survey plan and transferring it into an interactive, digital medium through the use of a CAD programme and georeferencing capabilities.

Utility plan digitisation (GLASS) collates statutory plans from utility providers into a clear and coherent format, from which we can ensure maximum transparency and efficiency. The information on each statutory plan is overlaid onto OS Base Mapping in AutoCAD, providing all utilities in a single, combined view, and eliminating any usability issues which may occur when attempting to work from a set of independent plans.

As a leading provider of Desktop Survey reports, we draw from over 130 utility suppliers, all of whom are compliant with quality level D of PAS 128. Available as a DWG or PDF file, digitisation gives you a clear view of the subsurface utilities in your site in a format that suits you.

Who can benefit from digital GIS mapping?

The convenience and clarity provided by having a single coherent plan can aid in producing accurate, swift decisions at a range of levels and with a variety of different parties. These include:

  • Construction Companies
  • House Builders
  • Property Developers
  • Homeowners
  • Solicitors
  • Environmental Consultants

 

What deliverable options are available?

We offer three deliverable options: Primary, Intermediate or Advanced. Each can be further tailored to meet your requirements by adding or removing vital/unnecessary attributes or data.

Option 1 : Type D Primary GLASS

The Type D Primary GLASS model is fully PAS 128 compliant, using desktop survey techniques to identify utilities within your search area. Desktop utility record information is combined into a clear, coherent CAD model. Output is provided in both DWG and PDF formats.

CAD Attributes included:

  • Utility type within line style
  • Utility positions and orientation
  • PAS 128 quality code
  • Survey area boundary
  • Ordnance Survey base mapping

Option 2: Type D Intermediate GLASS

The Type D Intermediate GLASS model offers a greater level of insight, with assets given an extended list of properties and attributes. The model is refined to include the owner of each utility, along with attributes such as plant voltages and pressures.

CAD Attributes included:

  • Utility type within line style
  • Owner, within layer name
  • Utility positions and orientation
  • Nature of the system, e.g. voltage or pressure
  • Drainage pipe flow directions
  • PAS 128 quality code
  • Survey area boundary
  • Ordnance Survey base mapping

Option 3: Type D Advanced GLASS

The Type D Advanced GLASS model builds upon the Primary and Intermediate options to include utility infrastructure symbology and related annotations. This allows the identification of available pipe sizes, materials, depth of cover etc., along with the location of manholes, valves, joint-boxes, nodes, and any further apparatus made available by the utility provider.

CAD Attributes included:

  • Utility type within line style
  • Owner within layer name
  • Utility positions and orientation
  • Nature of the system, e.g. voltage or pressure
  • Utility infrastructure symbols e.g. manholes, valves and distribution points
  • Annotations e.g. pipe sizes, depth of cover, pipe material.
  • Drainage pipe flow directions
  • PAS 128 quality code
  • Survey area boundary
  • Ordnance Survey base mapping

 

For more information or advice on which option is best suited for your project, please contact us and one of our experts will be glad to assist.

 

How can digital utility plans be ordered?

Digital utility plans are available as an add-on to all Technics utility reports. Simply specify that you would like to make use of this service and we will provide a quotation to you at time of order, or as soon as your utility report has been compiled.

To order a digitised utility report (GLASS), please contact the team on 01483 230 080 or email utility.reports@technicsgroup.com.