Some members have expressed concerns about users drawing in areas where Google does not show current development. We understand that Google is imperfect, but we believe it is a huge step forward to the process.
I used some information provided by a member as a case study to illustrate why the new system is an improvement and a step towards more accurate notifications from the One Call.
Supplied files from Member
Google not up to date in area of new development:
Site Plan showing dig area
Based on this example - here is a comparison of how the current system works and how the new system will work:
Current system, agent view of address:
Agent mapped a dig site (hatched area) based on information available: address and description given over the phone or entered by customer on web
Member polygon overlay shown over dig site polygon in current system.
The facility owner is notified based on overlap of dig site drawing (red, thatched) and member’s polygon (black) – even though they have no assets in the actual dig area. User would have to wait for a clearance response from this member before starting work.
Same request. New system.
Drawn by contractor who knows site and can better illustrate the area even though the full development is not shown in Google Map:
Now, only members with assets inside the red box are notified, and they receive the actual geometry of the drawn object to place on their maps when replying to the excavator, showing their asset in relation to the drawn dig site (Also known as ‘electronic white-lining”). The excavator could potentially receive responses much faster, and never have to wait for a member who has no lines near the site.
Despite the Google Map not being up to date, it still gives the members a better chance of being notified correctly, easing the burden on the system, and allowing for faster responses back to excavators as the volumes or requests continue to get higher.
With an image of a site map, comparisons to assets have to be done by members manually. Electronic map files are how we move forward to a system where users could potentially receive their responses within a few hours, not days.