GIS and Data Management
In an increasingly digital world, effective management of data resources and geographic information systems (GIS) is essential. Flexible, pragmatic approaches and working in partnership with all stakeholders ensures that excellence is achieved in the delivery of GIS and data management services.
With this aim, it is essential that the latest desktop and web-based GIS technologies are applied to the solution to solve real-world problems and support projects of any size.
GIS-based services have been delivered by specialists working in the environmental impact assessment, planning and design (EPD) team since the 1990s, almost as long as RSK has been in existence. In 2015, we consolidated our GIS and visuals experts into one specialist team to centrally plan and manage the delivery of GIS-based services. The team is based across our Helsby, Hemel Hempstead and Glasgow offices, but provides support to project teams anywhere it is needed. GIS expertise is also available in other teams under the RSK umbrella, including ADAS and Biocensus.
Managing your data
The GIS and visuals team provides a range of GIS and visualisation services to EPD colleagues and other teams across RSK, and to external clients in several sectors such as oil, gas, rail, and property development.
We produce traditional high-quality cartographic output conforming to client and metadata standards. We deliver systems that give extended project teams access to their project information. We develop web applications to make project and business information available to all. We facilitate ‘everywhere’ access to project information and on-site data collection using mobile devices. We look after project data.
Focused on communication
A loosely defined project scope and poor communication can be problems in dynamic, wide-ranging, multidisciplinary projects where there is a high likelihood for design changes.
There is also a risk for data-incompatibility between the different systems adopted by different teams delivering the project. This is caused by inconsistency in the ways that spatial datasets, graphics and associated tabular information are managed by different individuals working in the same organisation. Additionally, information can be lost or corrupted as data is migrated from CAD to GIS and vice versa.
To solve these problems, we operate the latest versions of leading GIS and CAD technology solutions. We also operate Safe Software’s FME Desktop; a comprehensive data integration platform that allows us to semi-automate the conversion of data between a wide range of data formats used by GIS and CAD systems.
Keeping clients connected
We set up and deploy web-mapping applications using ArcGIS Online. This approach makes information privately accessible via web-maps. Spatial data relating to the project is validated and uploaded to the secure cloud and privately shared with project groups. Only people added to the group can access the mapped information via a simple web browser. This allows us to overcome difficulties arising from differences in file formats, supports multiuser access to and editing of a centrally managed data repository and promotes better collaborative working and improved communication between teams.
In addition to traditional and web-based GIS and information management and figure production services, the GIS and visuals team has a long history of preparing wirelines, photomontages and other 3D visualisation products and services, all following current best practice guidance. Such products include data-derived 3D conceptual models that can help tell the story of the issues that can be encountered during a project.
A digital system
We deliver these GIS services across all disciplines and through all phases of the project lifecycle, including basic constraints mapping, 3D visualisations of new cable routes, viewshed maps for wind-farm planning applications, collaborative GIS websites using ArcGIS Online, finding the best sites for wind turbines or supporting work in delivering railway infrastructure improvement schemes.
Much of our success lies in our flexible, pragmatic approach, working in partnership with RSK colleagues, clients and other third parties in multidisciplinary teams to ensure that excellence is achieved when delivering a wide range of environmental services.
