In 2005 the Virginia Utility Protection Services (VUPS) - the one-call center in Virginia -initiated a three phased program to integrate GPS technology into one-call and locating operations to create efficiencies, improve communications, and reduce excavation damage. GTI is co-funding Phase 2 and developing technology and managing Phase 3.
Phase 1 of the pilot program - called Electronic Whitelining - demonstrated the ability of GPS-enabled cell phones to call in one-call tickets to reduce the size of the ticket and provide a more precise electronic whiteline of the ticket area. This project was complete in 2007.
Phase 2 of the pilot program - called Electronic Manifest - demonstrated the use of GPS-enabled locators to collect coordinate data during routine locates for one-call tickets. The data will be used to provide excavators with a birds-eye view of utility locations overlaid on ariel imagery to improve their ability to understand the layout of utility lines. The data will also be sent to utility companies to faciliate the updating and correcting of maps.
Phase 3 of the pilot program - called GPS-Based Excavation Encroachment Notification - is developing a system that monitors excavation activity and creates a notification anytime an excavator is digging outside of a valid one-call ticket or digging too close to an underground asset. Phase 3 technology includes a digging trigger, GPS monitor, data portal, and handheld notification/monitoring system.
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Workflow for Phase 3 
Digging Trigger and GPS Monitor Installations
Excavation Monitor
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Phase 3 is being funded by Operations Technology Development (OTD) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).
For additional information on this project, contact Alicia Farag at alicia.farag@gastechnology.org.
