A century ago, towns were often divided into wards, and the complexities of what lay beneath were left to outdated as-built maps and exploratory methods like potholing or daylighting.
These techniques, while traditional, were inefficient and frequently hazardous, particularly in coal-rich regions. However, as times change, so do the methods and the entire field of infrastructure asset management. With the introduction of advanced management software solutions like SiteMap® (patent pending), powered by GPRS, organizations are now equipped to navigate the future of infrastructure management with enhanced efficiency and precision. Let’s delve beneath the surface to explore the transformative role that SiteMap® plays in shaping the future of the industry.
Trends in Infrastructure Asset Software Development
Trends influence everything from what you drink and wear to what you buy and drive. Whether you engage with these trends is often a personal choice, but in fields like infrastructure management, adopting new technologies can significantly benefit your organization. Here are several key trends in infrastructure asset management:
Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML):
AI and ML are transforming infrastructure asset management by enabling predictive analytics and decision-support systems. According to a report, the AI market is projected to grow from $28.7 billion in 2022 to $96.6 billion by 2027, at a compound annual growth rate of 27.5% from 2022 to 2027. Although data on AI's efficacy in facility and infrastructure data capture and management is sparse, SiteMap® has chosen to rely on the accuracy of GPRS’ SIM-certified Project Managers over fully implementing these technologies. However, the trend towards AI and ML in infrastructure management is undeniable.
Cloud-Based Solutions:
Cloud-based infrastructure asset software offers scalability, flexibility, and accessibility, allowing organizations to access critical data and tools from anywhere, at any time. Global end-user spending on public cloud services is forecast to grow 20.4% to $678.8 billion in 2024, up from $563.6 billion in 2023, according to Gartner, Inc. All cloud market segments are expected to see growth in 2024, with Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) projected to experience the highest growth at 26.6%, followed by Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) at 21.5%. SiteMap® provides cloud-based deployment options, enabling seamless collaboration, data sharing, and integration with external systems, while ensuring data security and compliance.
Internet of Things (IoT) Integration:
IoT devices such as sensors, meters, and drones are increasingly used to collect real-time data on infrastructure assets. In 2023, $805 billion was spent on IoT technology worldwide, a figure below the forecast due to the global Coronavirus pandemic's impact. The projected worldwide spending on IoT was $1.1 trillion as estimated in 2019. While SiteMap® may not traditionally employ IoT, it utilizes similar methodologies to accurately identify utility locations and more.
Digital Twin Technology:
Digital twin technology creates virtual replicas of physical assets, enabling organizations to simulate and optimize asset performance in real-time. The global digital twin market size was estimated at $16.75 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 35.7% from 2024 to 2030. This technology is gaining traction for its ability to bridge the physical and virtual worlds. SiteMap® supports the creation of digital twins for infrastructure assets, providing a comprehensive view of asset lifecycle, performance, and maintenance requirements, facilitating informed decision-making and risk management.
Enhanced Data Visualization and Analytics:
Advanced data visualization and analytics tools help organizations derive actionable insights from vast data volumes. Studies show that 80% of organizations find decisions made using visualization tools to be more accurate, and 86% report faster decision-making. SiteMap® offers comprehensive reporting and visualization features, enabling effective analysis, interpretation, and communication of complex data, supporting informed decision-making and stakeholder communication. The Digital Plan Room is one example of how visualization aids in effectively representing subsurface data.
The Role of SiteMap® in Shaping the Future of Infrastructure Asset Management
SiteMap® stands at the forefront of innovation in infrastructure asset software development, incorporating cloud-based deployment, digital twin technology, and advanced data visualization and analytics capabilities, among others. By embracing these emerging trends, SiteMap® empowers organizations to unlock new opportunities, optimize asset performance, minimize risks, and drive sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving business landscape. With SiteMap®, organizations can confidently navigate the future of infrastructure asset management, harnessing technology to map tomorrow and beyond.
SiteMap® not only utilizes modern trends but also pioneers them. We lead the way in innovation while maintaining our commitment to accuracy and ease of use. SiteMap® acts as a multifunctional application, offering unique capabilities such as:
- Infrastructure management
- Infrastructure mapping
- Utility cloud mapping
- Utility management
- Mapping software
- Geospatial solution
- GIS mapping
- Digital map viewer
- GPS software
- Geospatial mapping
This study supports the fact that managing subsurface software and technology requires a multifunctional resource that demands careful planning and sensitive management, balancing utilization and preservation of subsurface functions. SiteMap® achieves this and more.
The GPRS Difference
SiteMap® is more than typical infrastructure management software; it's backed by GPRS, the nationwide leader in subsurface locating and mapping, with a 99.8% accuracy rating across 500,000 jobs.
GPRS is committed to 100% subsurface damage prevention. Our 99.8% accuracy rate reflects our consistent delivery of high-quality results nationwide, using the industry-leading Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM) for utility mapping, concrete scanning, sewer camera inspection, or 3D laser scanning.
Our field-to-finish process is supported by a 99.8% accuracy rate. Our skilled Project Managers use various devices like ground penetrating radar, electromagnetic induction, CCTV crawler cameras, LiDAR, and acoustic leak detectors to collect data. This data is then processed into deliverables by our in-house Mapping and Modeling Team.
These maps and models are stored within SiteMap®'s digital plan room. After completing a private utility locate service, our field data automatically creates a site map in formats such as .pdf, .kmz, and .shp. This field-to-finish solution includes a free subscription to SiteMap®.
This comprehensive collection and management service is unmatched in the market and is exclusive to GPRS and SiteMap®. Thus, SiteMap® isn’t just following trends; it’s creating new ways to see and manage the subsurface, including developing proprietary technologies that redefine utility data collection management.
SiteMap® offers organizations a complete solution for navigating infrastructure management complexities with precision and efficiency. By leveraging SiteMap® and GPRS capabilities and embracing certain trends, organizations can map tomorrow with confidence and see the subsurface in unprecedented ways. SiteMap® is more than a tool; it is a window into the world of the subsurface, providing a clear and simple view of what lies beneath.
GPRS SiteMap® team members are currently scheduling live, personal SiteMap® demos. Click below to schedule your demo today!
