City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council approve a contract with Nobel Systems of San
Bernardino, CA to obtain a digital asset inventory of the City’s street lights.
BACKGROUND:
Most of the information the City generates and maintains is based on location. The
Geographical Information System (GIS) program maintains various geographical
data layers to facilitate analysis, decision-making and dissemination of public
information. Some of the geo-data layers currently maintained include property
parcels, traffic signals, fire hydrants, manholes, and bus routes. There are two
primary components for each geographical layer: spatial data and attribute data.
Spatial data identifies specifically where the feature is located while attribute data
represents information related to each feature. For example, a fire hydrant data
layer would display the location of each hydrant (spatial information) and would also
identify attributes such as hydrant number, operational status, and maintenance
schedule.
Various methods can be used to assist with identifying location data. Global
Positioning System (GPS) is a technology often used to identify specific locations for
point features. GPS is a satellite-based navigation system which is used to identify
a location any place on the Earth. This requires using a GPS device and physically
going to the specific object to capture the location coordinates. Alternatively, if there
are hardcopy accurate maps, they can be digitized to alleviate physically traveling to
Meeting Date: 06/25/07 Item Number: A-4
AGENDA ITEM: Approval of a Contract with Nobel Systems (San Bernardino, CA)
to Obtain a Digital Asset Inventory of Street Lights.
Contact Person/Dept.:
Michele Williams (IT)
Phone Number:
310.253.5959
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [X] No []
Public Hearing: [ ] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Public Notification:
E-mail Master Notification List on 06/20/07; Charles Herbertson, Public Works Director
on 06/07/07; Nobel Systems on 6/20/07.
Department Approval:
John Richo 06/05/07
City Attorney Approval:
Carol Schwab (by H. Iker) (06/18/07)
City Controller Approval:
Marlee Chang (06/20/07)
City Manager Approval:
Jerry B. Fulwood (06/20/07) City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
each feature location. Attribute data can be stored, maintained, and made
accessible to enhance City operations once the digital locations have been acquired.
DISCUSSION:
Currently, there is no centralized asset inventory of City street lights. Public Works
manually updates logs and maps specific to maintenance; however there is a high
reliance on institutional knowledge of long-time key staff. There is also an inventory
mixture of city owned street lights and Edison owned/controlled street lights. A
centralized inventory of all street lights within the city boundary would enhance
maintenance operations. This would result in a database identifying street light
locations along with attribute information such as maintenance schedules,
installation dates, and lighting components.
Acquiring a street light inventory would also support the implementation of a citywide
wireless network. On January 11, 2007, the City obtained vendor responses after
distributing a RFP for citywide Wi-Fi. Implementation of a wireless network would
result in providing city residents with Internet access and a secure communication
for public safety and other city applications. In order to provide citywide coverage,
access nodes would be installed on city owned infrastructure such as street poles
and buildings. Street lights are typically preferred as they provide unobstructed line
of coverage and can also serve as a power source for the devices. The ability to
digitally represent all street lights (and being able to differentiate which are owned by
the City) is required to produce accurate wireless network coverage models. This
would assist in determining the ideal locations for installing devices to obtain optimal
coverage throughout the city.
In the absence of hardcopy accurate maps, GPS is required to obtain location
coordinates for all City street lights. Staff initiated contact with three vendors in the
surrounding area who have expertise with survey collection and GIS analysis. The
vendors were asked to provide a quote for obtaining GPS asset inventory of street
lights. Public Works has estimated that there are approximately 3500 street lights in
the City. The vendor quotes detail a cost range based on collecting GPS points for
3000 to 4000 street lights. The quotes also included capturing at least one data
attribute during the collection process. The attribute collected would be the “street
light type”. The vendor would be provided with pictures of each unique street light
for identification purposes. During data collection, each street light type would be
identified and attached to the appropriate point feature.
City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
The following outlines the quotes received:
VENDOR
NUMBER OF
ATTRIBUTES
COLLECTED GPS PRECISION
QUOTE
COST RANGE
Psomas
(Los Angeles, CA) 2-3 < 3.28 Feet $65,000 - $75,000
RBF Consulting
(Irvine, CA) 1 < 3.28 Feet $57,000 - $73,300
Nobel Systems
(San Bernardino, CA) 1 < 1 Foot $15,000 - $20,000
Recommended Vendor
Based on the quote received, responses to client references, and proposed high
GPS accuracy, staff recommends contracting with Nobel Systems to obtain a digital
asset inventory of street lights. Nobel Systems is a privately held corporation that
specializes in GIS data collection, data conversion, and GIS consulting services.
The company was founded in 1992, is headquartered in San Bernardino, CA and
employs over 125 full-time skilled GIS professionals. Attachment 1 provides a
summary of 15 client references detailing the specific work that Nobel Systems has
performed. Five of these clients were contacted and they provided exceptional
references and highly recommend this vendor. The client list for Nobel Systems
includes the following government agencies:
City of La Verne, CA
City of Long Beach, CA
City of Manhattan Beach, CA
City of Ontario, CA
City of Oxnard, CA
City of Pasadena, CA
County of San Bernardino
Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts
Rancho California Water District, Temecula, CA
Staff questioned Nobel Systems’ significantly lower priced quote compared to the
other two vendors. Nobel Systems markets themselves as a “Low Cost Solution for
GIS Needs”. They also send off-shore many of the larger data conversion projects
to their wholly owned branch office in Bangalore, India. This results in overall lower
overhead for the organization and contributes to their ability to quote a lower cost.
Given this justification for the lower cost, staff will take additional precautions to
ensure that quality will not be negatively impacted as a result of the lower cost.
City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
The following quality control checks will be implemented:
20% of the street light points will be verified using the city’s aerial
photography
A sampling of at least 100 street lights will be physically spot checked by City
GIS staff.
A provision will also be added to the contract stating that payment will not be issued
until the quality control processes have been conducted and the City verifies that the
delivery meets the stated quality standards.
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
The authorization to contract with Nobel Systems to obtain a digital asset inventory
of city street lights would result in an expenditure not to exceed $20,000 (attachment
2). Sufficient funds have been allocated in the Information Technology Contractual
Services Budget – 10124100.619800.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Client List and Previous Pertinent Experience
2. Quote from Nobel Systems
MOTION:
That the City Council:
1) Approve a contract with Nobel Systems (San Bernardino, CA) to obtain a digital
asset inventory of street lights allowing an expenditure not to exceed $20,000;
2) Authorize the City Attorney to prepare any necessary contract documents and
authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City.
MEETING DATE: 06/25/07
AGENDA ITEM: Authorization to Contract with Nobel Systems (San Bernardino,
CA) to Obtain a Digital Asset Inventory of Street Lights.
ATTACHMENTS
Pages
1. Client List and Previous Pertinent Experience 1 - 7
2. Quote from Nobel Systems 8 - 10PREVIOUS PERTINENT EXPERIENCE
Nobel Systems has performed hundreds of data development and conversion projects (large and small) for
over 100 utilities and municipal clients nationwide, but primarily in California. Many of these projects
involved GPS collection for verification or data development." Our Mission Statement along with our
outstanding record of performance strongly demonstrates:
• Nobel Systems' technical expertise and focus on utility GIS Data Development and GPS Collection
• Nobel Systems' high customer satisfaction: repeat business with the same customer
• Nobel Systems' ability to organize and manage large GIS conversion projects
1. Client: Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, CA
GIS Conversion of City Sewers and Storm Drain and on-site support
Contact: Mr. Craig Norrbom — Senior Designer, Sewer Design Section, County Sanitation Districts of Los
Angeles County, 1955 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, CA 90601 (562) 699-7411
Mr. Sean Christian — Project Manager, 562.699.7411 ext 2707
Start Date: 2000
End date: Ongoing
Project Manager: Michael Samuel
County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County contracted with Nobel Systems in 2000 to perform GIS
Conversion of City Sewers connecting District's Trunk Lines. Nobel Systems subsequently placed 3 of its
employees at District's office to provide onsite support for various GIS conversion and mapping projects. Nobel
Systems recently won a second major contract to convert Storm Drains for all 88 Cities of Los Angeles County.
The project made the team very familiar with all Cities in the Los Angeles county.
2. Client: County of San Bernardino
Project: GIS Conversion of Basemap (parcels, street centerlines)
Contact: Ms. Cindy Prescher — San Bernardino County, (909) 388-0766
Start Date: 2002
End date: 2005
Project Manager: Srinivas Suryanarayanaiah
The County of San Bernardino (County) awarded the team of ESRI and Nobel Systems a large parcel data
conversion project to create a parcel basemap database to include all of the County's parcels and related attributes.
The goal of the project is to convert land documents such as parcel/tract maps and deeds into an electronic data
format to produce Assessor maps. The basemap was created using COGO techniques and further adjusting the
data to GPS control points.
3.Client: Hamilton Township Municipal Utilities Authority
Projects: GIS Water and Sewer Conversion; GPS Verification
Client Contact: Mr. Stephen R. Blankenship — Executive Director, Hamilton Township Municipal Utilities
Authority, 6024 Ken Scull Avenue, Mays Landing, NJ 08330-1854, Tel: 609- 625 - 1872
Fax: 609 -625 - 0855
City of Culver City - GPS Proposal
Page 1 of 10
BBLStart: October, 2004
End: Ongoing
The Hamilton Township Municipal Utilities Authority of New Jersey, Atlantic County contracted with Nobel
Systems in 2004 to perform GIS conversion and Updates of Municipality Sewer and Water facilities. Nobel
Systems has presently placed one of its consultants on site to provide support for HTMUA's GIS conversions and
mapping projects. This exemplifies the continuous and sustained work carried out by Nobel team on all the
requirements of its Client. Nobel is also working on field verification of field structures using Trimble's GeoXT
and their automatic synchronization with the MUA GIS System. HTMUA maintains the facility features and also
a part of Trunk sewers in alliance with ACUA.The data sources that was used for data conversion and updates
were the Asbuilts, 2002 Aerials, GPS points, City Sewer and Water Atlas maps. The Asbuilt drawings were the
primary source used to capture/locate features spatially with assistance of Aerials and the GPS points. The data
capture was performed by well defined Standards and Procedures developed for both Sewer and Water GIS
system. In locations where there was a conflict between Asbuilts and Atlas maps, the Asbuilt took priority. There
were two Geodatabases representing the potable water distribution system (with its service connections) and the
Sewer collection system.
4. Client: California Water Service Company, CA (CalWater)
Project: GIS Conversion of the Water facilities
Contact: Mr. Ed Harr — GIS Coordinator, California Water Service Company, 1720 North First Street, San Jose,
CA 95112.408-367-8328
Start Date: 2002
End date: Updates Ongoing
California Water Service Company contracted with Nobel to perform GIS Conversion of 23 statewide Water
Districts. Nobel converted the hard-copy plat sheets to ArcGIS geodatabase containing various feature-linked
annotations. Nobel also developed data maintenance tools in AutoCAD Map and ArcGIS that allows CalWater to
perform updates and produce Atlas Books. Currently, Calwater maintains its GIS on ArcSDE and is helped by
Nobel with GIS Updates.
5. Client: Park Water Company, CA
Project: GIS Conversion of the Water facilities; GPS Points Collection
Contact: Mr. Aaron Gutierrez — GIS Coordinator, Park Water Company, 9750 Washburn Road, Downey, CA
90241; (562) 923-0711
Start Date: 2006
End date: Ongoing
Park Water Company contracted with Nobel to perform GIS Conversion of Central Basin Water System from the
existing format to a new geodatabase format with Geometric Network Functionality and hyper-linking water
features with various documents. The scope also included a GPS Point collection Task to enable PWC to gather
Valve and Hydrant locations.
6. Client: Township of Green Brook, NJ
Project: GIS Conversion of the Stormdrain facilities; GPS Points Collection
Contact: Mr. Ken Koenig — GIS Coordinator, Township of Green Brook Engineering, 111 Greenbrook Road,
Green Brook, NJ 08812; (732) 968-1023 x 6610
Start Date:
2006
End date:
Ongoing
City of Culver City - GPS Proposal
Page 2 of 10
BEL
wolVwen.Township of Green Brook contracted with Nobel to assist it in GPS locating, mapping and photographing of all
catch basins, outfalls, and storm sewers within the municipal boundaries of the Township. NJ Municipalities are
required to develop Stormwater Management Plans under the EPA Phase II Rules and the rules proposed by
NJDEP. The Stormwater Plan Objectives are to: eliminate, reduce, or minimize stormwater quantity and/or quality
impacts associated with new and existing land uses, and balance environmental, social, and economic benefits and
costs of implementing the stormwater management plan. The planning needs assessment of the drainage area and
so a Geographic Information System became essential. In order to develop the GIS, the township selected Nobel to
develop the map using GPS Locations (sub foot accuracy) of outfalls, catch basins and storm sewers.
7. Client: Western Municipal Water District, CA
Project: Water, Reclaimed Water & Sewer GIS Conversion
Contact: Ms. Patty Diaz — GIS Analyst, Western Municipal Water District, 450 Alessandro Blvd., Riverside, CA
92508, (951) 789-5025
Start: 2003
Complete: On-going
In 2001, WMWD contracted with Nobel to provide data maintenance services to update its AutoCAD based
Sectional Maps. In 2003, WMWD contracted with Nobel to provide GIS data conversion, application development
and data hosting services. A district-wide GIS needs assessment meeting was conducted to understand the roles of
various departments and better design the Data Model. A new Grid system was created to better manage map
production. Copies of the source maps were used as the primary data source for this project Nobel reviewed these
maps and all source materials for unclear or ambiguous features. Using Nobel' AutoCAD-based proprietary data
capture methodology and system, water facilities data was captured. Unique ID numbers were assigned to each arc
and node feature at the completion of data capture for a given tile. Easements were captured using COGO. The
attribute data was exported into a text file, and linked to the AutoCAD graphics using a LISP program and the arc
and node ID's that are in both the graphics and attribute files. The data was then converted to the fmal ArcInfo
format specified by District. All asbuilts were scanned and linked to the GIS using a bar code numbering system.
ArcMap layout was designed with symbology as desired by WMWD and Atlas books were created using
PrintWorIcs (custom application that was developed by Nobel to create PDF files of selected or all atlas page or
pages).Using ArcCatalog and FGDC's metaciata templates, metadata was created for all the feature classes in the
geodatabase. The SDE geodatabase with SQL Server data is currently being made available through out WMWD
using Geo Viewer Online, an ArcIMS based application developed by Nobel. The application also has a tool that
helps the Development Services team to calculate Meter Fees.
8. Client: IRancho California Water District, Temecula, CA
Project: Water, Sewer & Reclaimed Water GIS Conversion Project
Contact: Mr. Pete Muserelli, Rancho California Water District, 42135 Winchester Road, Temecula, CA 92589.
Telephone 909-296-6900.
Start Date: 1997
End Date: 1999
The Rancho California Water District awarded multiple contracts to Nobel to provide GIS data conversion services
for their water, sewer and reclaimed water network. The projects included modifications to the existing database
design, correction on an existing GIS database, conversion of the existing VMS/Oracle database Microsoft Access
database, and update of the GIS database by converting new as-built construction plans. As a follow on to the initial
contract, Nobel received another contract in 1999 to further enhance the District's GIS database for the water
system.
The existing ArcInfo coverages and database structures were analyzed. Since they did not totally conform to the
District's requirements, Nobel recommended the best-suited architecture of the systems. Microsoft Access was
City of Culver City - GPS Proposal
Page 3 of 10
Nc0.11#117.used as the DBMS of choice in the District. Nobel reviewed and implemented the database design after conducting
a user-needs assessment, to determine the GIS requirements and standards for the project.
Prior to Nobel's work, the District contracted with an engineering firm to create a GIS database. 1189 water as-
builts and 70 reclaimed as-builts were used during this conversion work.
This work was also done before the District standardized on ArcInfo software. The original water database lacked
node topology and did not have pipeline connectivity or continuity. Nobel completed the edits so that the District
would have a provisional database to use for ongoing projects, but the original database lacked critical attribute data
as well. Nobel was then contracted to rebuild the water and reclaimed water systems using construction as-built
maps. The existing water database was used as a reference during the conversion.
9. Client: City of Ontario, Ontario, CA
Project: GIS Conversion of Water and Sewer Facilities (Performed by Nobel Systems)
Contact: Mr. Ivan Sanchez, City of Ontario, 303 East B Street, Ontario, CA 91764; (909) 395-2694
Start Date: 2002
End Date: 2003
Project 1: Conversion of Asbuilt Plans and Atlas Sheets into a GIS
Through a competitive bidding process, the City of Ontario awarded a contract to Nobel Systems to convert
their asbuilts and atlas sheets to a GIS system. The data conversion was in AutoCAD and the final
deliverable was ArcInfo coverages.
Nobel examined the land base for completeness. Any missing or incomplete data was reported to Ontario.
Nobel then established a mutually acceptable service area grid system that was compatible to generate
custom 11"xl 7" at 200 scale plots. A unique process to capture data as accurately as shown in the source was
followed, wherein a controlled placement technique in which features were actually constructed the
locations, based on their distances and offsets shown on the source. Attributes were entered through a menu
driven system, with defaults set up to the maximum extent possible, virtually eliminating any chance of error.
As part of our approach to data capture, we constructed the water and sewer graphics to the landbase,
generate scrub plots with unique Ids, and use that as the source to add attributes. This was based on a tried
and true process and resulted in a far more accurate database. Data after construction and attribution was
exported to ArcInfo coverage format. ArcPlot's map publishing capabilities were used to pull out key
attributes thru' over-posting techniques and each of the attributed values were checked against the
information available on the source. LaurelHillGIS's DogCreek, a software application used to check
consistency in attribute data was applied on the coverage data and verified for consistency, before the data
was delivered to the Client.
Deliverables
Sewer System data in coverage format
Water System data in coverage format
ArcInfo Plots
Project 2: Conversion of Data from Coverages to Geodatabase and Atlas Map creation
The City contracted with Nobel to convert the coverages to geodatabase for the sewer and water network.
The geodatabase data was used to generate grid-based atlas maps for both water and sewer facilities. Nobel
System's printing application, PrintWorks, was used to generate maps on a continuous mode (batch-mode).
Finally 11"xl 7" size atlas was created for both water and sewer system on scale 1"=200' and delivered to the
Client.
Deliverables
Sewer System Geodatabase
Water System Geodatabase
Water System Atlas
City of Culver City - GPS Proposal
Page 4 of 10
NCBEL
. 14101, atoi.Sewer System Atlas
PrintWorks configuration files
10.Client: Cucamonga Valley Water District, CA
Project: GIS Conversion of Water and Sewer Facilities
Contact: Mr. Dan Meeker, GIS Coordinator, 10440 Ashford Street, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91729. (909) 483-
7312.
Start: 2000
End: 2002
The Cucamonga Valley Water District awarded a Contract to ESRI and Nobel (as a sub-consultant) to convert their
paper as-builts and atlas sheets pertaining to water and sewer systems into a GIS system. Copies of the source maps
were used as the primary data source for this project. Nobel reviewed these maps and all source materials for
unclear or ambiguous features. Using Nobel Systems' AutoCAD-based data capture methodology and system,
water and sewer facility data were captured. Unique ID numbers were assigned to each arc and node feature at the
completion of data capture for a given tile. Easements were captured using COGO. The attribute data was exported
into a text file, and then linked to the AutoCAD graphics using a LISP program and the arc and node ID's that are
in both the graphics and attribute files. The data was then converted to the final ArcInfo format specified by
District. All as-builts were scanned and linked to the GIS using a barcode numbering system.
11.Client: City of La Verne, CA
Project: GIS Conversion of Water and Sewer Facilities
Contact: Mr. Jerry Mesa, City of La Verne, 2620 1st Street, La Verne, CA 91750; (909) 596-8741
Start Date: 02/04
End date: 01/05
The primary task of this project was to convert City's Water and Sewer asbuilt plans and Atlas maps into GIS.
Nobel used the Los Angeles County landbase as reference to construct features pertaining to Water and Sewer
facilities shown on the asbuilt plans. The conversion process was performed by well defined standards and
procedures developed and approved by the City for both facilities. Gaps where asbuilt plans did not exist were
identified, and constructions of features at the gap locations were done using the atlas maps. Rigid quality checks
were performed after data was converted, and verification plots were generated using ArcInfo's ArcPlot
capabilities. A one-to-one check of features was done on the newly constructed data, against the original source
documents. Annotations were generated and placed per cartographic standards. Nobel supplied City of La Verne a
geodatabase, along with copies of atlas books.
12.Client: Otivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD), CA
Project: Project: GIS Data Conversion, Application Development and Data Hosting
Contact: Ms. Karen Ogawa, 1966 Olivenhain Road, Encinitas, CA 92024, (760) 753-6466;
kogawa@olivenhain.com
Start: 2001
End: 2003 and ongoing Data Maintenance
In 2001, Nobel was contracted by OMWD to provide GIS data conversion services to convert their paper
atlas maps to GIS. The data was created in ArcInfo coverage format.
Various Shapefiles were created from the AAT and NAT of coverages and served through GeoViewer.
GeoViewer was developed using Visual Basic and ESRI's Map Objects technology.
OMWD's Customer and Work Order data in an old UNIX based system with very little capability for
sharing. Working with the small programming team from the application's vendor, Nobel developed a way to
extract information from this non-standard system, import it into a more modern data format, and then link it
to the GIS. Data updates are performed on a regular basis and are automated. This process has been ongoing
City of Culver City - GPS Proposal
Page 5 of 10
NGBEILsince 2001 on a weekly basis. Nobel worked with different departments and focus groups and found that
there is always a way of integrating legacy data from legacy systems, no matter how archaic the system is.
Nobel recently created an ArcGIS geodatabase using ESRI's industry standard water-wastewater Data
Model. All the Shapefiles were loaded into appropriate geodatabase feature classes. The SDE geodatabase is
now served through the web using GeoViewer Online Nobel designed an XML Web Service which runs on
the remote server located at OMWD. Nobel's Web
Application GeoViewer Online communicates with this service and downloads the current data.
OMWD also had all of its "Field Trucks" fitted with GPS Units. These GPS Units were logging the data at a
remote server owned by "Network Car". Nobel's Web Application GeoViewer Online was modified to
communicate with this remote server periodically and fetch the geographical positions of each truck.
13.Client: City of Oxnard, Oxnard, CA
Project 1: Sewer System GIS Update Conversion (Performed by Nobel Systems)
Contact: Mr. David Endelman- GIS Coordinator, City of Oxnard, 305 West Third St, 2nd Floor, Oxnard,
CA 93030, (805) 385-8205
Start Date: 10/03
End Date: 04/04
City of Oxnard had its Sewer data in shapefiles format. Understanding the need to have data per industry
standards, City contracted with Nobel Systems in 2003 to accomplish this task.
Nobel's project team reviewed the sources for clarity and unambiguous understanding of the source contents.
The conversion process was performed by well defined standards and procedures developed and approved by
the City. To accomplish the above mentioned objective of the project, approximately 99 as-built plans and
285 atlas maps were used for conversion. Quality checks were done after spatially adjusting the data and
capturing new features using the as-built plans and atlas maps. This was done by generating verification plots
ArcInfo's ArcPlot capabilities. A one-to-one QC of features was done on the newly constructed data, against
the original source documents. Annotations were then generated and placed per the cartographic standards
for a better representation of the features on screen and atlas Maps.
The final data at the end of the project was delivered in ESRI's GeoDatabase format. Along with the
GeoDatabase files, 2 sets of atlas books - 11"x17" and 18"x24" paper sizes, were provided to the City.
14.Client: City of Long Beach, CA
Project 1: GIS Updates of Water facilities (Performed by Nobel Systems)
Contact: Mr. Albert Lin — GIS Officer, Long Beach Water Department, 1800 E. Wardlow Road, Long
Beach, CA 90807 (562) 570-2356
Start Date: 2002
End date: Ongoing
Rate of Conversion — 120 asbuilts/week
The Long Beach Water Department (Department) contracted with Nobel Systems to perform GIS updates of
their water & sewer system atlas maps. Also included in the project was development of true type fonts for
their existing symbols. Nobel Systems converted the graphics with associated attributes from hard-copy
drawings and/or digital files into the ArcGIS Geodatabase, performed thorough quality-control checking on
accuracy of all related data, and we created an ArcGIS-based tool that allowed LBWD GIS Personnel to
update the unique User ID for each junction. This tool utilized an AUTOID table that already resides within
the Oracle GIS Database. User IDs are utilized by LBWD GIS to identify all features in the system as well
as generate User IDs for pipe features. We provided a hardcopy list of all valves and tie-in information for
updating of LBWD's Valve Database. This database is a separate data source from LBWD's GIS Database.
City of Culver City - GPS Proposal
Page 6 of 10
N ' BEL
4•.Y.NOitWe then posted and reconciled all versioned data to LBWD's GIS Database and resolved any and all
conflicts that arose during the post and reconcile process.
15. Client: City of Simi Valley, CA
Project 1: Sewer System GIS Conversion (Performed by Nobel Systems)
Contact: Mr. Steve Seiberlich- Senior Engineering Technician, City of Simi Valley, 2929 Tapo Canyon
Rd., Simi Valley, CA 93063, (805) 583-6893
Start Date: Feb2004
End date: Jan2005
The City of Simi Valley contracted with Nobel Systems on Various Projects (Water Atlas Books, Sewer
Atlas Books, Scanning and Linking of As-Builts to GIS, Viewing Application, Printing Application)
City of Simi Valley (City) awarded Nobel Systems various contracts to improve the content and
functionality of the City's GIS. Nobel Systems was awarded 3 separate projects to 1) create water
system atlas books and provide Nobel Systems PrintWorks application to manage the changes to the atlas
books, 2) create sewer system atlas books, and 3) scan and link water as-builts to the GIS and provide Nobel
Systems' GeoViewer application to view the GIS data and scanned documents. These GIS projects have
allowed the City to further benefit from the City's GIS by adding new beneficial functions.
Deliverables
Sewer System Atlas Books
Water System Atlas Books
Geo Viewer Application
Printing Application
Scanning (tiff. images) and Linking of As-Builts (Access database)
City of Culver City - GPS Proposal
Page 7 of 10
BEL
0•11,0001845 Business Center Drive, #130
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Phone: 866-NOBEL-SYS
FAX: 909-890-5612
sniyogi©nobel-systems.com
www.nobel-systems.com
June 11, 2007
Johnnie Griffing,
GIS Project Manager
The City of Culver City - IT Department
9770 Culver Blvd.
Culver City, CA. 90232
Re: Proposal for GPS point collection for the Street Light Poles
Dear Mr. Griffing,
Nobel Systems ("Nobel") is pleased to submit our quote to the City of Culver City("City") for providing
GPS Data Collection Services for the street light poles within the city. The City is seeking the services of an
experienced GPS solution provider for collecting positions of all the City Street Poles. Nobel proposes to
provide consulting Services for the City's GPS project for $5 per street light pole. The City would provide
direction on different pole types that the survey crew could select from a data dictionary on the GPS units to
establish feature type identification.
The entire project team is very enthusiastic about this project and about the opportunity to work with you to
further your information management goals. Please feel free to contact me directly should you require any
further information.
Thanks,
Best Regards,
Shil Niyogi,
Regional Manager, Nobel Systems, Inc
Page 8 of 10UNDERSTANDING, METHODOLOGY AND SCOPE
Culver City seeking the services of an experienced GPS solution provider for collecting positions of all the
City Street Poles. The City has between 3000- 4000 poles, whose GPS position it needs to gather. Nobel
Systems utilizes state-of-the-art Trimble Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment to capture data in the
field. Among units used, the Trimble GeoXH handheld receiver with H-Star technology demonstrates
accuracy to within 1-foot of real-world coordinates, under ideal situations. Trimble defines H-Star
technology as a combination of advanced GPS receivers, field software with sophisticated logging
capabilities, and office software with innovative post-processing capabilities. This allows highly-accurate
data points to be collected with minimal cost and time.
One benefit of using Trimble equipment with H-Star technology is the Predicted Post-processed Accuracy
(PPA) indicator, which shows the accuracy that is likely to be achieved when the data is post-processed.
Additionally, multiple reference stations are used during differential corrections; which reduces error caused
by reference station bias and distance. Further, the integrated antenna on the GeoXH employs Trimble's
Everest multi-path rejection technology to ensure reflected signals are rejected by the receiver. Nobel
recommends adding the external Hurricane antenna for additional multi-path rejection during data collection.
According to Trimble, the three essentials of the H-Star systems are:
Quality GPS data
PPA-driven workflow
H-Star post-processing
All electrical equipment is susceptible to an inherent flaw; Electromagnetic interference. GPS receivers are
affected by internal as well as external electromagnetic noise. To combat this, Trimble's GeoXH utilizes
advanced noise-reduction techniques by shielding both the receiver and the antenna from interference due to
nearby electromagnetic sources. This can be extremely useful when collecting data near electric utility
features to guarantee quality GPS data.
One benefit to using a PPA-driven workflow is that the user will have confidence that their post-processed
data will be within the accuracy determined for a specific project. On the GeoXH handheld, a PPA indicator
is constantly updated based on the antenna type, satellite geometry, and carrier lock (duration of lock on a
minimal number of satellites), and the assumption that the user will determine the best reference stations that
support H-Star processing requirements. It should be noted that PPA values do not factor in ionospheric
delay and multi-path signals; it only models them.
The degree of post-processed accuracy depends on several factors. First, the quality of each of the
reference stations used must be above 80 on the 'integrity index' scale. This value is provided in the post-
processing software, and should be highly considered before choosing a set of base stations for differential
corrections. Second, the distance from the area where data was collected is also a highly important
consideration. Typically, it is best to use base stations within 200-km of the area where data collection
occurred. Last, the physical geography make-up of the locations of the surrounding base stations with regard
to the point where data was collected plays an immense role as well. According to Trimble: Using an
averaged result from evenly-distributed reference stations lessens the effect of atmospheric error from any
one reference station, and provides a truer picture of what was actually happening at the point where data
was collected. In other words, a cluster of reference stations all lying in the same direction from the
collection area, are not likely to improve accuracy.
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BELOverall, by utilizing Trimble equipment with H-Star technology it is possible to spend a minimal occupation
time at data collection points, and still achieve excellent sub-foot post-processed results. By way of
technologically advanced receivers, and well-thought-out post-processing procedures, it is simple to create a
work-flow which will result in highly-accurate GPS data. It is Nobel's belief that using these methods will
increase the overall productivity of data collection immensely.
Data collection by way of accepted methods generally results in approximately one hundred points being
collected per 8-hour day. During this project, it is estimated that three thousand to four thousand features
will need to be recorded. To facilitate the data collection process, it is recommended that a data dictionary be
created ahead of time. This will make it more efficient to collect data points, by displaying a list of attributed
features from which to pick from.
Given the parameters set forth in the project's scope, Nobel Systems will be able to accurately capture all
features within a period of six to eight weeks from notice to proceed. Further, it is estimated that post-
processing will take an additional week to ensure the accuracy requirements set forth in the scope. A final
Geodatabase deliverable can be compiled, if required, in a period of approximately three weeks. The total
time to develop all requirements and deliverables for this project is estimated to be between ten and twelve
weeks.
City of Culver City - GPS Proposal
Page 10 of 10
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