February 16, 2017
The Toms River Municipal Utilities Authority has partnered with Meemim Corp., a developer of knowledge-management software and mixed-reality applications, to create the next-generation pipe and cable locating tool for municipalities, public utilities and contractor services. The upcoming release blends Meemim’s knowledge-management platform, ArcGIS (by ESRI), and advanced mixed-reality (MR) technology.
The first of its kind in public utilities management, the Meemim application leverages Microsoft HoloLens to deliver real-time in-field holographic visualization of underground pipes, valves, cables and other utility objects, including related information and support materials. The system combines object holograms with object-specific data to provide a hands-free method for field technicians to understand the infrastructure they need to service while on site.
"The TRMUA has built a robust Geographic Information System (GIS) using ESRI's ArcGIS Online Services. With our utility infrastructure and data now online, we can have real-time collaboration with our field crews," says Len Bundra, IT/GIS Director of Toms River MUA. "Field workers can now literally 'see' utility lines beneath their feet, when viewed through the Microsoft HoloLens. This takes GIS to a whole new dimension of dynamic mapping and data retrieval."
In-field trials show that the system speeds up planning, shortens in-field work time, reduces errors and improves safety.
“Current utility-locating equipment doesn't take advantage of the wealth of data that already exists in municipal databases,” notes Alec Pestov, CEO of Meemim. "Toms River MUA has a vision of how utility systems management should evolve, and we're pleased to be their technology partner to bring their vision to life. Working together, Meemim and TRMUA have been able to create a completely new type of utilities-management platform by leveraging ESRI’s ArcGIS, Microsoft HoloLens and Microsoft Azure technologies."
The Meemim vGIS platform is tailored specifically to the needs of municipalities and utilities and draws on a number of previously unavailable applications and visualization techniques.
Adds Pestov, “We ran a system preview for a select group of MUAs, mapping services providers, utilities and emergency response services, and the feedback has been hugely positive. We believe the utilities-management community is ready to embrace the Meemim vGIS solution."
Having conducted successful trials with the initial test group, Meemim is expanding testing and is inviting interested parties to apply. Those interested in engaging and/or learning more can contact Meemim at [email protected].
About Toms River Municipal Utilities Authority (TRMUA)
The Toms River MUA was established in 1949 with a mandate to provide reliable wastewater collection services to its ratepayers in an environmentally responsible and cost effective manner. The TRMUA maintains 435 miles of underground utility lines, 18 pump stations, and serves 47,000 ratepayers covering an area of 55 square miles in Toms River, NJ (population 92,000).
About Meemim
Meemim (Toronto, ON) is a knowledge-management platform vendor with expertise in data presentation and visualization. Current applications, in addition to vGIS, include the Meemim collaboration productivity suite for project management, small team collaboration and client customer service portals.
Contact Information:
Bernie Schmidt
VP, Marketing
416-604-4777