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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number NIA_NGN_202
Title MRPS Digital Map-Based Data Capture and Mobile GIS
Status Completed
Energy Categories Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Refining, transport and storage of oil and gas) 100%;
Research Types Applied Research and Development 100%
Science and Technology Fields ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (Geography and Environmental Studies) 50%;
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Computer Science and Informatics) 50%;
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation Not Cross-cutting 100%
Principal Investigator Project Contact
No email address given
Northern Gas Networks
Award Type Network Innovation Allowance
Funding Source Ofgem
Start Date 01 April 2016
End Date 01 November 2016
Duration 7 months
Total Grant Value £68,000
Industrial Sectors Technical Consultancy
Region Yorkshire & Humberside
Programme Network Innovation Allowance
 
Investigators Principal Investigator Project Contact , Northern Gas Networks (100.000%)
Web Site http://www.smarternetworks.org/project/NIA_NGN_202
Objectives

Stage 1 

  1. Undertake detailed liaison with MRPS office and field surveying staff at NGN
  2. Validate proposal and produce high-level design of software requirements and user-interface for proposed solution
  3. Detailed report of requirements and proposed solution for review and approval by NGN

MGISS will initially undertake detailed network liaison with NGN to evaluate product viability within a number of asset survey methods, smart GIS and spatial analysis within MRPS, and site-based scenarios.

This will determine specific requirements and the level of additional advanced spatial analysis, mobile application development and integration required.

Stage 2

  1. Develop desktop/web-based geo-processing and GIS analysis tools
  2. Develop mobile GIS OSMM map-based application for MRPS
  3. Deliver a minimum viable product (MVP)

Determine a series of test sites where extensive benchmark testing can be undertaken based on a series of typical real-world scenarios. E. g. urban and rural sites, and testing under a full range of environmental and operational conditions

Stage 3

  1. Test MVP against current process
  2. Report on any amendments/additions to MVP for further development
  3. Report on viability and potential ROI

A successful project will deliver a prototype field based automated survey data gathering tool.

NGN will have defined and proved an efficient and optimal survey method using a combination of smart GIS, mobile workflows and field mapping application for smartphone and tablelet platforms, which can be deployed across a wide range of operational tasks, delivering verifiable, accurate, repeatable and risk-reducing functionality.

Ease of use will be the primary operational aim, enabling any field operative to deploy and save time on-site, and eliminate site re-visits.

Develop a MVP for MRPS and associated field survey data capture, GIS asset data processing and integration into NGN business processes

Report a to CBA for future development

Data will be accurately positioned to within predefined tolerances for accuracy

Data will transferred directly into asset repositories

User Acceptance testing will provide positive feedback for further development

Abstract The Mains Replacement Priority Scheme (MRPS) risk prioritises Cast Iron (CI) gas mains within the UK allowing scheduling of their replacement as part of the gas mains replacement programme (GMRP). As part of this process, the Networks undertake on-site surveys using operatives to collect various data about their assets and surrounding features. MRPS surveys currently relies on identifying proximity zones using existing network records such as GIS and as-laid drawings. On-site surveys are then undertaken by a competent operative, making note of all required data on a paper record or fillable electronic forms. Records are sent back to the network, feeding in to the MRPS replacement programme. MRPS surveys are process/assumption heavy and require substantial pre and post processing of collected data. Northern Gas Networks (NGN) have produced internally a proof of concept app that could be used to ease the input required on site for the operative. This app has proved a valuable tool to NGN surveyor operatives. There is a current innovation project to automate the survey results direct into the MRPS system - This is due for completion in February to coincide with full roll out of the electronic solution for data captureThis innovation aims to accelerate the capability of site-centric mapping applications to deliver smart, verifiable and risk-based measurement tools that are both easy to use and cost-effective, whilst delivering significant business value and ROI. Other identified applications for improved measurement technology include capture of exposed pipeline crossings, as-laid surveys, and DR4 surveys. These applications are not included in this proposal, however this development will allow other survey types to be added in the future. The technology would be deployed via the existing myWork as an app on a smartphone or tablet, already in use by the survey operatives. . Ordnance Survey digital maps and existing network information, such as gas mains and associated MRPS polygon zones, will be downloaded onto the tablet and displayed in real-time. The operator will open the app, choose which survey is being undertaken, complete all required measurements and observations and submit. The data captured will automatically populate the existing MRPS data capture form (may need some modification)(digital) and send directly through the MRPS systemFurther survey types and functions may be added to the app and accessed from a common interface.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above
Publications (none)
Final Report (none)
Added to Database 12/09/18