Cloud-Based GIS Mapping Software as an Evaluation Tool for Condition Assessments

On June 17th, 2018, a 1,000-year storm dropped nearly seven inches of rain in under nine hours across regions of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan resulting in a federal major disaster declaration. After the storm, site inspections were performed to evaluate the resulting culvert washouts and associated damage along 9.5 mi of recreation trail, just north of Lake Linden, Michigan. There are over 160 culverts along this section of trail, of which 44 were washed out and 40 were found to be either completely blocked by debris or collapsed. The use of cloud-based GIS mapping software allowed engineers to define specific parameters for condition assessment, record the conditions observed at each site, and geo-locate the data in real time. This allowed for rapid evaluation of the numerous culvert sites, improved communication with key stakeholders, and enabled faster data review used for immediate risk assessments and cost comparisons for remedial work. Since then, advancements have been made in GIS data collection and reduction technology, that allows for improved efficiency and accuracy during site investigations. This paper describes the advancements now available in this technology.