In Action: Field Inspection Applications Using Mobile GIS Technology

This month, Katie Baltzley, Senior GIS Analyst, accompanied the South Heidelberg Public Works crew in deploying the second round of this project: the Street Sign Inspection Application.

The GIS team at SSM created the GIS workflow and mobile application that allows the Township staff to log road sign inspections with mobile devices as well as attach photos of every road sign. All of the inspections and data are saved in ArcGIS online and accessible to Township staff through a Sign Management Dashboard designed by our team.

This electronic ability to map out all of the Township infrastructure and assets (stormwater facilities, street signs, sewer lines, manholes, etc.) is increasing the modernization and efficiency of the Township staff and workflows.

In action the workflow is as follows: The Public Works members inspect signs to determine the condition of those signs and what signs are in need of replacement. All of the data collected (including photos) is stored in an online database with access through a management dashboard (photo above) which then assists the Township in ensuring proper timelines and maintenance of signs. The data also assists in proper planning of budgets for sign replacements and repairs in future years.

Deployment of this application is the second phase of the Township’s GIS program - initiated with stormwater inspection and being followed by sewer/sewer manholes.