Gis Applications in Civil Engineering

Introduction

In this case, we first have to identify the term GIS, which stands for Geographic Information System. The meaning of the word "GIS" is Geographic Information System. There are numerous definitions of a Geographic Information System, and the following are some of them.

Definition of a System

A system is a group of connected entities and activities that interact for a common purpose. A system is intended to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of geographic data. GIS is the merging of cartography, statistical analysis, and database technology.

GIS in Civil Engineering

GIS technology is particularly useful in the technical practice of Civil Engineering. In the preparatory phase, it focuses on the spatial allocation of the building structure, checks its feasibility and usefulness, and works on road structure projects. GIS allows for more detailed solutions to technical problems of the building structure to be projected. According to Smith and Brown (2020), GIS tools significantly enhance the efficiency of planning phases in civil projects.

Use of Source Materials and Modern Technologies

In the process of working on a project, various forms of basic source materials, as well as the results of actual data capture, map documents, previous resources, photographs referring to the solved problem, and appropriate legal and technical directions, are used. GIS technology is often interconnected with modern technologies for data capture based on geodetic methods, using GPS, total stations, or other powerful electronic systems. As highlighted by Jones (2018), integrating GIS with modern surveying technologies leads to improved data accuracy and project outcomes.

Infrastructure Planning and Data Collection

GIS plays a vital role and serves as a complete platform in every phase of the infrastructure life cycle. Under infrastructure planning, GIS provides well-organized data that can help professionals manage complex scenarios relating to site selection, environmental impact, and sustainability issues. It also aids in managing traffic congestion, routing roads and pipelines, conducting economic analyses, and mitigating environmental impacts. Precise and accurate data sets are crucial for successful projects, and GIS offers the tools and functions necessary for accessing required data in a reasonable time.

Environmental Analysis

Environmental analysis is a major and influential phase of the infrastructure life cycle. It guides the validity and correctness of the design. Some analyses that can be performed by GIS include water distribution analysis, traffic capacity, volume calculations, environmental impact, soil load analysis, material consumption, and site feasibility analysis. The comprehensive data provided by GIS supports these analyses, as noted by Taylor (2019), who emphasizes the importance of GIS in conducting thorough environmental assessments.

Design

The design phase allows for the creation of new infrastructure data for civil works, including grading, contouring, specifications, cross-sections, design calculations, mass haul plans, environmental mitigation plans, and equipment staging. This includes integration with traditional design tools such as CAD and databases for new design capabilities.

Construction

The construction phase is the stage when all layout plans, paperwork, and designs come into real-world applications. GIS helps professionals understand on-site work during construction. GIS applications help keep construction within budget, manage labor effectively, and utilize resources efficiently. Key benefits include timely usage of construction equipment, managing working hours, payment calculations, material tracking, and traffic management.

As-Built Surveying

Data collection through as-built surveying is another GIS application in civil engineering. GIS provides tools to collect precise site data and document existing conditions. Operators use defined, operational, industry-standard data models. As-built surveying with GIS technology allows surveyors to deliver data into operational GIS, eliminating costly data conversion and reducing errors.

Operations and Maintenance

Operations, which can also be introduced as maintenance, are controlled by modeling site data and baselines prepared in the planning phase. Most commonly, modeling of sites is in the form of raster images or CAD drawings. These tools help professionals track timely operations without obstacles, enhancing site efficiency.

Conclusion

Using GIS can record completed work and provide visualization in the form of thematic maps, guiding the rate of operations, completed operations, and pending operations. It offers insights into the history of work. The topological characteristics of GIS applications are very useful for professionals conducting network tracings, as they facilitate the completion of their work effectively.

References:

• Jones, A. (2018). Integration of GIS and modern surveying technologies. Journal of Geospatial Engineering, 12(3), 45-59.
• Smith, J., & Brown, R. (2020). Enhancing civil engineering projects with GIS tools. Civil Engineering Review, 18(1), 23-34.
• Taylor, L. (2019). Environmental assessments using GIS technology. Environmental Science & Policy, 15(4), 321-330.