DISASTER RECOVERY

Improving Disaster Recovery Efficiency with RFID/GPS Technology

Whether natural or accidental, wide-scale damage to above ground structures and terrain can make the task of subsurface utility recovery and maintenance difficult and expensive. The difficulty is compounded when using dated technology and traditional mapping methods.

Investing in new solutions to underground asset recovery can save money and improve overall utility system efficiency.

Circumventing traditional post-disaster asset locating issues

One of the most significant issues facing utility companies after a disaster is locating buried assets. Traditional mapping and field techniques often use geographic landmarks to position assets relative to one another. If the disaster destroys landmarks, a larger area must be excavated to uncover the buried assets. This process is expensive and can threaten nearby utilities included in the expanded excavation area.

These issues become even more complex when multiple utility agencies are involved in recovery efforts. In most cases, both public and private entities work simultaneously to assess, service or recover utility assets in close proximity to one another. Miscommunication and poor planning ahead of time can result in further complications and operational delays.

A solution with RFID and GPS integration

A solution to locating buried assets is now available. A combination of radio frequency identification (RFID), magnetic locating and GPS technology has proven to be an effective solution. The InfraMarker solution uses these proven technologies to make locating fast and accurate.

Researchers at the Geospatial Research and Applications Center (GRAC) at Auburn University conducted a study on this approach in a disaster recovery scenario.

Researchers concluded the InfraMarker solution improved overall efficiency when it came to finding buried assets under stressful conditions. 

Specifically, RFID/GPS mapping systems present a solution for utility companies using hardware such as cable tracers to locate and identify buried assets. While tracer pedestals often damaged or destroyed during disasters, RFID tags are constructed specifically to withstand adverse weather and long-term deployment underground.

When the RFID tagging infrastructure is fully implemented, positioning information from the InfraMarker can be used to generate precise, expansive digital mapping tools for excavating – and is especially useful in disaster recovery efforts.