Geospatial Technologies in Action at the Port of Long Beach

Abstract: Because of the highly competitive nature of the cargo movement industry, the Port of Long Beach’s (POLB’s) Executive Director and Board of Harbor Commissioners created and approved a Strategic Plan to define POLB’s longstanding commitment to develop and maintain state-of-the-art infrastructure that enhances productivity and efficiency in goods movement and remain a global leader in operational excellence well into the future. In conformance to its Strategic Plan, POLB staff recognizes the value and power of Enterprise Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to manage real estate, assets, and other relevant information. From the beginning, POLB’s approach was to centralize GIS database that serve the entire organization and provide complex spatial content through a simple user-friendly web-viewer (Port Atlas), CAD environments, published map exhibits, and mobile computers. Data and content comes from a single source and displayed as useful information for intended audiences and stakeholders. POLB uses GIS extensively to manage and maintain infrastructure such as underground utilities, rail, roads, traffic signs, leases, geotechnical reports, bathymetry/dredging data, and much more.

POLB initially focused on incrementally developing GIS content for underground utility infrastructure by using as-built drawings and GPS data collection through its Master Plans to validate field conditions and correct deficiencies. POLB has over 500 miles of utility assets such as water, storm drain, sewer, electric, communications and fiber optic with links to as-built drawings, inspection reports, and CCTV. Port Atlas supports engineering and maintenance field staff to respond quickly to emergencies, maintenance and operational issues, and projects by providing easy access to information in the field. Engineers, planners, and environmental professionals can view historic aerial photography to identify potential contamination or abandoned infrastructure issues when preparing for future projects or terminal development programs. The quality of raw data and the methodologies for processing data before incorporating it into POLB’s centralized GIS repositories is of paramount importance and essential to present quality information to its users

With substantial investments in port infrastructure, POLB is leveraging GIS technology to stay competitive in the global trade industry; GIS is at the heart of its business and engineering operations. The use of GIS has allowed POLB to more effectively and efficiently communicate and disseminate data among staff, other agencies, consultants and constituents. POLB will continue to enhance current GIS programs and seek opportunities to develop new applications to stay competitive in international cargo trade and remain the distinguished Port of Choice by working toward operational excellence.

How does this project / topic contribute to the advancement of the industry and profession?: GIS integrates information from disparate sources into a common manageable system that provides tremendous opportunities to make better and informed decisions. GIS has been an effective and powerful tool that has assisted managers and staff to manage Port of Long Beach infrastructure.

Does the project / topic implement new and innovative techniques, materials, technologies, and delivery methods?: Using Enterprise GIS through web and mobile environments has resulted in more efficient, effective, and reliable use of information to share with staff and other stakeholders.

What was the most challenging aspect of your project / topic and how did you handle it to ensure success?: Some major challenges have included obtaining and processing quality information to load into GIS, maintaining a process to keep information fresh and current, and staff and organizational adjustments to a adopt new processes that include GIS technology.

Who is the target audience for this paper?: Staff, supervisors, managers, engineers, GIS professionals, asset management professionals, and terminal operators that deal with assets and infrastructure for an organization.