Using handheld field computers and GPS units to acquire data during I/I investigations for sanitary sewer systems

Do more with less" is the motto in the wastewater utility industry as new technologies continually emerge for use by managers and maintenance professionals of the nation's sewer systems. Still, only a relative few organizations have used handheld field computers and global positioning system (GPS) units to acquire data during inflow and infiltration (I/I) investigations of sanitary sewer systems. This streamlined data collection process results in higher worker productivity and enhanced quality of information, which in turn can be used to populate a geographic information system (GIS) for use by planning and maintenance managers. The total process integrates pentop computers for data collection, Web cameras for a direct link to the database, and GPS receivers for real-time location during data collection. Once the data is collected (or even as it is being collected), it can be integrated into a GIS and used to identify defect locations and magnitude as well as recommend rehabilitation methods.