Why GIS? The Pier B Programs Solution Managing Large Quantities of Data

Abstract: Large Programs like the Pier B ODRSF Program need to make quick, important and strategic decisions daily, manage complicated schedules; identify priorities and assign resources; and organize large quantities of data to be easily accessible! A well-defined GIS information management and digital delivery strategy for data transparency, analysis, and review purposes is paramount for a project of the scope and scale of the POLB Pier B On Dock Rail Support Facility Program.
Working with the Port, we have developed a custom program management tool that provides a central datastore for all the team members, including project design, program management, 3rd party utility coordinators, real-estate and construction management to share all of the essential information and latest data. With this tool team members can easily find the latest project design information; examine 3rd party utilities by owner, conflict ID, utility type, or current status; identify properties that are impacted by project or utility relocations; view adjacent project conflicts with the Program; and quickly provide as-built conditions from completed projects to future stages of the Program. The project team can easily view and track the utility relocation design, permitting, pipeline license agreement issuance and construction progress for the entire program or for each individual project. This GIS Management Tool will help to monitor property/easement acquisition status to make sure the program is still on track with the proposed schedule; and identify and secure lay down areas for Pier B projects and 3rd party utilities to ensure all of the contractors that are working within this tight space at the same time are closely coordinated.
POLB management will be able to use this GIS tool to be pro-active on any potential delays or risks to the program schedule which will help save time and money while delivering this Program on time and within budget.

How does this project / topic contribute to the advancement of the industry and profession?: GIS Management of large programs is essential to delivering complicated projects within the busy maritime setting. This tool helps to reduce the risks to port operations, terminal operations, as well as to scope, schedule and budget for each program. This topic will help to demonstrate how other large programs would benefit from the use of this GIS Management Tool to deliver those programs.

Does the project / topic implement new and innovative techniques, materials, technologies, and delivery methods?: The GIS Management Tool uses the latest technologies and techniques available in the world of information management and web-based applications. GIS itself is not new but how it can be used on large programs and what it takes to transition a large program over to the use of this GIS Management Tool is innovative.

What was the most challenging aspect of your project / topic and how did you handle it to ensure success?: Trying to integrate the existing Pier B Program data into the GIS Management Tool was the most challenging aspect of this project. Data for the Pier B Program had been collected over 10 years and was not stored or inputted into CAD with the use of a GIS Management Tool in mind. The team needed to meet often to discuss the most efficient way to organize the existing data in order to bring it into the GIS Management Tool.

Who is the target audience for this paper?: The target audience for this presentation are GIS programmers, designers, engineers, planners, program managers, railroad operators, construction managers, real estate agents, surveyors, utility coordinators, and utility engineers. Anyone involved in a program that would like to be able to see program data quickly, easily and efficiently.