Each member utility company’s goal is to reduce or eliminate the number of unwanted notification that it receives. Asplundh One Call makes this endeavor a reality. How? In one of two ways. First, Asplundh can create a plotted map of a utility company’s underground service territory. The utility simply draws the boundaries or produces a linear segment of their service area. The resulting “polygon” or “line segment” is then submitted to our GIS Mapping Coordinator for digitization and then installs it as a database “layer” in the call center’s computer.
Conversely, larger utility companies who already have their underground utility coverage area in a recognized digitized format can submit it to us for translation. This data is then validated and uploaded to our mapping server in a timely fashion. When processing a locate request, call center staff access a digital base map to identify the excavation site. The Customer Service Representative automatically identifies and creates a “locate” polygon (if warranted) by using a mouse to draw and measure a unique polygon or line segment on the base map around or at the site. An immediate comparison between the notification database and the excavation polygon is generated. The completed ticket is then dispatched electronically to only the affected member companies.
An alternative method to update or augment underground utility registration with the Center is done through Google Earth. Google Earth is a unique method for member utility mapping specialists to review and manipulate their registration, whether it be polygons, line segments, etc. quickly and efficiently. All changes to the registration are reviewed by Asplundh’s GIS Coordinator prior to its publication.
