Dynamic multi-utility service network adopter Energy Assets Networks and Pipelines (EAN & P) recently won grant funding from the Government’s Geospatial Commission to digitise their underground power and gas assets. The grant is being managed by the Greater London Authority (GLA), the Cabinet Office’s London delivery partner for the National Underground Asset Register (NUAR), and EAN & P are just one of the three organisations to have received funding.
Won in a competitive bid process, the funding will provide EAN & P with the ability to vectorise and digitally share the locations of their electricity cables and gas pipes across London. The data produced will then feed into the National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) which is being built by the Geospatial Commission for the UK.
As a trusted Esri partner, MGISS were recommended for the provision of geospatial services based on our renown for precision GIS data capture. After pitching alongside two competitors, EAN & P selected MGISS to supply the geospatial technology and training for the project.
MGISS are integrating high-accuracy GNSS and positioning services with a custom Esri software solution and rugged handheld devices. EAN & P will utilise MGISS’ GIS and field operations expertise to empower them to implement and utilise the new technology efficiently.
The data EAN & P subsequently acquires will help them speed up residential and commercial development, reduce the risk of accidental pipe and cable strikes and minimise the impact of emergency infrastructure work on communities and traffic.
Mike Darracott, Managing Director at MGISS said “The ‘vector-first’ initiative from EA&P is an inspiration and a true investment in long-term, data-driven, sustainability for utility infrastructure. They are a shining example within the UK utility sector, and MGISS could not be prouder to support such a forward-thinking business.”
At a more granular level, the project will require surveying assets to a high degree of accuracy. This includes surveying gas valves, pipes, chambers, and electric cables, among other assets, using an MGISS provided asset capture solution.
EAN & P were supported by partner specialist, Graitec to create Vectorised drawings of the existing assets. The drawings will then be digitised by the repository and stored there for future reference. Finally, MGISS will provide EAN & P with the output ability to supply data back to the GLA in the required format for use in NUAR.
The long-term aim for EAN & P is to utilise this initial project as a springboard, with the aim of rolling out these solutions on a national scale. This will involve mapping their utility assets across Britain, while adopting a ‘vector first’ approach to ensure new assets are equipped to capture geospatial data as soon as they are established. “MGISS have been a key partner to helping provide EAN & P with the necessary skills, knowledge and regular interface meetings to capture and vectorise our electric cables and gas pipe throughout London in line with the NUAR requirements” said Andrew Collin, Network Manager at Energy Assets Networks and Pipelines.
MGISS looks forward to implementing this exciting pilot project and establishing a strong relationship with EAN & P and the GLA across the programme. Thank you to our partner Esri for their collaboration and recommendation of MGISS as the optimum service provider for the project.