How geospatial data is delivering benefits to UK Power Networks

British network operator UK Power Networks is using geospatial data to accelerate local works such as new connections and maintenance.

The company has been piloting the software 1Streetworks, which provides traffic management plans, with the finding that the average time taken to connect new or altered power connections was reduced by a quarter across approximately 300 Surrey roadworks sites where it was used.

Based on this outcome UK Power Networks is now planning to roll out the technology in a larger one-year trial in Kent to test its use in other workstreams across the company.

“Planning streetworks to the high standards we expect takes time and few have tried to revolutionise the process during my 23 years in the sector,” says Paul Dooley, streetworks performance manager at UK Power Networks.

“So, I’m excited about the potential of 1Streetworks to streamline complex traffic management plans, enable better communication with customers and highway authorities and improve the speed and accuracy of streetworks plans.”

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Traditionally a streetwork design plan for a smaller power connection, overhead line or underground cable repair usually needs a surveyor to assess the site, take measurements then plot signage on a CAD system – a process that can take hours of work, with the need to maintain high levels of safety and accuracy and to meet industry regulations.

The cloud-based 1Streetworks from the Cambridge headquartered location and geospatial data specialist 1Spatial is stated able to produce similar plans on-site in under two minutes.

Once the user plots the location of the work on a map, the software instantaneously plans site-specific traffic management, integrating layers of maps with main roads, bus stops, lane rental and streetworks rules.

Claire Milverton, CEO of 1Spatial, said the pilot has been a key milestone for the company and a culmination of many years of work and investment.

“We are delighted that our innovative 1Streetworks application has delivered such fantastic results for UK Power Networks and its customers. We look forward to roll out the software further across the network over the coming months.”

UK Power Networks has 190,000km of cables and delivers thousands of streetworks every year across London, the southeast and east of England.

On average there are over 4 million low-speed road works undertaken in the UK each year.

1Streetworks was developed initially with GB gas network operator Northern Gas Networks for expediting works on its underground pipelines.