Obtaining maps of underground utilities from city governments
I am interested in hearing peoples' experiences in obtaining maps of pre-existing underground utilities from city governments (as it relates to deployment of MAN fiber). Thus far the process I am going through can be compared to pulling teeth. Any advice would be greatly appreciated... :-(
On Thu, 6 Nov 2003, Eric Kuhnke wrote:
I am interested in hearing peoples' experiences in obtaining maps of pre-existing underground utilities from city governments (as it relates to deployment of MAN fiber). Thus far the process I am going through can be compared to pulling teeth. Any advice would be greatly appreciated...
It really depends on what data they have, and that varies heavily from city to city. Older cities may not have good maps. On the other hand, where the utilities have been rebuilt recently, or for new subdivisions, data is usually available in GIS format. Then there's always the problem of getting data out of the private utilities - most recent cable franchises require that as-built data be provided as GIS or CAD files, but the MSOs don't always follow through. Telcos are usually not required to provide data to local governments. Good places to start are the Planning Director and City Engineer. If your activities have an economic development componenent, talk to the Economic Development Director. ---- I do a lot of consulting to local governments, specifically on telecom issues - so if you send me a few more details of what you're trying to accomplish, I might be able to make some more specific suggestions. Miles Fidelman ************************************************************************** The Center for Civic Networking PO Box 600618 Miles R. Fidelman, President & Newtonville, MA 02460-0006 Director, Municipal Telecommunications Strategies Program 617-558-3698 fax: 617-630-8946 mfidelman@civicnet.org http://civic.net/ccn.html Information Infrastructure: Public Spaces for the 21st Century Let's Start With: Internet Wall-Plugs Everywhere Say It Often, Say It Loud: "I Want My Internet!" **************************************************************************
Eric, There are some states (like Missouri) that have Sunshine laws that require information sharing. Of course the information may not do you any good when it comes to actually accessing the physical infrastructure. We are an external business unit of a municipality and basically attach to the utility poles (OUR utility poles) via the same rules and regulations that everyone else (phone, cable and anyone willing to pay pole attachments and make ready) does. Basically we installed fiber for our use and are not obligated to share it with others. We, as a utility, also do not prevent others from installing parallel physical plant in our right of ways and offering services that may compete with us. I see lots of other utilities with installed fiber but not real sure what the next step is. The hard part of this business is creating value out of the hanging assets. tlc -- Todd Christell Network Manager SpringNet www.springnet.net 417.831.8688
On Thu, 6 Nov 2003, Eric Kuhnke wrote:
I am interested in hearing peoples' experiences in obtaining maps of pre-existing underground utilities from city governments (as it relates to deployment of MAN fiber). Thus far the process I am going through can be compared to pulling teeth. Any advice would be greatly appreciated...
It really depends on what data they have, and that varies heavily from city to city. Older cities may not have good maps. On the other hand, where the utilities have been rebuilt recently, or for new subdivisions, data is usually available in GIS format.
Then there's always the problem of getting data out of the private utilities - most recent cable franchises require that as-built data be provided as GIS or CAD files, but the MSOs don't always follow through. Telcos are usually not required to provide data to local governments.
Good places to start are the Planning Director and City Engineer. If your activities have an economic development componenent, talk to the Economic Development Director.
---- I do a lot of consulting to local governments, specifically on telecom issues - so if you send me a few more details of what you're trying to accomplish, I might be able to make some more specific suggestions.
Miles Fidelman
************************************************************************** The Center for Civic Networking PO Box 600618 Miles R. Fidelman, President & Newtonville, MA 02460-0006 Director, Municipal Telecommunications Strategies Program 617-558-3698 fax: 617-630-8946 mfidelman@civicnet.org http://civic.net/ccn.html
Information Infrastructure: Public Spaces for the 21st Century Let's Start With: Internet Wall-Plugs Everywhere Say It Often, Say It Loud: "I Want My Internet!" **************************************************************************
participants (3)
-
Eric Kuhnke -
Miles Fidelman -
Todd Christell