Field Inspection Improved

According to Crisp, one of the most powerful OTS tools is the field data collector, which is a transportable tablet computer that enables inspectors to record inspection results electronically rather than on hardcopy forms. During an outfall inspection, as part of the assessment of whether an illicit discharge may be present or is suspected, field staff members make and record a number of measurements and observations about the outfall. Inspectors typically determine if any flow is present. If so, they record the flow characteristics, such as odor and color, and measure and record water quality parameters using field instruments. Other indicators of an illicit discharge are assessed, such as the presence of foam, staining, distressed vegetation, or deposits.

In addition, field observations confirm the size, material, shape, and other physical factors of the outfall. Field researchers use the tablet PC to record and then document the coordinates of the outfall using digital photos and sketches. After completing the field work, some geographic information may need to be converted to a consistent coordinate system, and the collected data will be uploaded to OTS and then to the main geodatabase.

With the mobile OTS field data collector, TxDOT staff members can enter all this information electronically via simple drop-down menus and point-and-click computer functions. Field staff also may view detailed maps and aerial photographs of the area being surveyed.

"Field survey efficiency is improved dramatically with the easy-to-use functions and the ability to see previously surveyed outfalls, landmarks, roads, streams, and other features in the field," Crisp says.