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routes. What's unique about this technology is its ability to integrate numerous databases of location-based information so that users can view and analyse the data using intelligent maps. The system can be deployed on multiple platforms, such as corporate servers, individual desktops, mobile devices, online and in the virtual cloud, providing a highly scalable and cost- effective means for communicating information to a large number of users. EIA had used GIS previously to develop a web mapping application to manage real estate leases on its sites. Realising significant efficiencies from that application, the airport extended the technology to support efficient construction operations and improve facility management. EIA worked with leading GIS solution provider Esri Canada to develop an innovative web- based Utility Locator application that allows staff and contractors to quickly access accurate and up-to-date information about the airport's utility assets. Previously, EIA's Technical Services team supplied field workers with paper drawings of construction sites and utility networks generated using a computer-aided design (CAD) system. While delivering rich graphical representations of airport assets, the drawings did not provide a spatial context. The drawings neither captured all critical data needed to make informed decisions on site, nor could they be used to analyse relationships between assets. As work plans changed weekly, if not daily, it became a time- consuming and costly task to update, reprint and redistribute the drawings to field workers. To address this challenge, EIA selected Esri's ArcGIS solution because it allowed them to deliver information over the web without requiring additional user training. This was a critical factor in the technology selection because most of the target end users do not typically have a technical background. Using ArcGIS for Server technology, EIA integrated numerous databases containing information on the airport's utility assets (including aviation fuel, airside and groundside electrical systems, natural gas, water, stormwater and sewer networks), construction projects, road networks, buildings and other geographic data into a geodatabase. The application was developed using the ArcGIS API for Microsoft Silverlight, an easy-to- use application programming interface that allows developers to quickly integrate interactive maps into Web applications. The system enables the airport to control access to data and tools within the application, depending on the user's role. This helps maintain data integrity and ensure its accuracy. Facilitating safe and efficient construction operations The web application was deployed in June 2011, just in time for the busy summer construction period. Utility locators within the Technical Services team had primary access to the editing functionality of the application, while project delivery staff were given secure, read-only access. "Using the GIS application has significantly increased efficiency in responding to utility locate requests. Creating drawings and delivering information to field staff takes far less time than the CAD drawing system previously used for the task. This cuts down on field time and assists with keeping construction schedules on track," says Jerrit Purdie of 3-D Line Locating, which provides utility locating services for the project. Through the Web application, utility locators can view all above-ground and buried airport assets and their location. It allows them to quickly look up underground cable networks and easily verify whether they are for power, tele - communications or other airport-owned utilities. They can customise maps to show only specific facilities if needed. The application also comes with a drawing tool that enables them to mark unknown lines found, create work areas, draw buildings and add notes directly to the locate report. "The quality of our locate reports has also improved immensely. We're now able to produce more insightful reports that include complete details about a specific site. The application also allows us to include a map in the report to help staff and contractors make better decisions," remarks Purdie. Utility locators can now create drawings that actually look like the site, both in context and scale. The application has eliminated the need for redraws, which can sometimes lead to incorrect depictions of a site or assets being missed. The accurate drawings make it easier for con - tractors to analyse the site and understand the risk they may encounter before they put the back hoe into the ground. This enables EIA to proceed with improvements to the busy airport terminal without posing a risk to facility operators and travellers. Improving communication The web application provides a consistent view of utility and project data to internal and external users, fostering better communication and teamwork. With all critical data at their fingertips, architects, planners, engineers and project managers involved in different parts of the expansion will be able to see the overall picture and organise their workflows so that the project proceeds smoothly and on time. The self-service portal provides an easy-to- use map of basic airport information including building outlines and names, roads and parking lots. This has already reduced the number of inquiries for site information received by the Technical Services team from internal staff, allowing them to focus on other tasks. It is expected that when released publicly in the first quarter of 2012, the number of requests will continue to drop. The GIS also integrates historical and current INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT REVIEW Volume 16, Issue 1, 2012 34 GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) Through the GIS application, utility locators can view all above-ground and buried airport assets and their location

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