In municipal government, there's a huge emphasis on using money as effectively as possible. Actively managing municipal assets is key to preventing unnecessary expenses. Asset Management Plans (AMPs) help identify what parts of the infrastructure need attention, plan out important upgrades, and decide how to distribute funds for assets the community relies on. These plans are also very effective in pursuing grant funding for infrastructure improvement projects. Yet, according to the ASCE’s Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, only one-third of utilities have a strong AMP in place to help prioritize both capital projects and operation and maintenance investments.
Planning Smart Communities Using the Digital Twin
Using a digital twin to create AMPs offers communities a robust platform for future preparedness. A digital twin is a detailed virtual copy of real-world places. This approach enhances planning and decision-making by providing detailed and accurate infrastructure representations, allowing for informed development that aligns with long-term community goals.
Through digital twin software, efficient asset management becomes achievable, prioritizing maintenance to extend infrastructure lifespan and minimize costs. They also improve public safety by aiding emergency responses through precise infrastructure layouts, engage the community by visualizing project impacts, and stimulate economic growth by attracting investments through well-maintained and resilient infrastructure. Ultimately, this modern method paves the way for communities to navigate future challenges with greater efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.
Essex County Manages Assets Using the Digital Twin
Essex County is currently using MJ4D to develop AMPs, aiming to map vertical water/sewer assets, evaluate conditions, strategize management, and enhance efficiency for cost-effective and improved services. MJ4D is a digital twin software that combines advanced imagery, offering unparalleled precision and detail.
The county received a Municipal Restructuring Fund Program grant to develop AMPs for their water and wastewater treatment facilities. These AMPs will guide capital planning and maintenance, crucial for meeting stringent NYSDOH and NYSDEC regulations. Essential for smaller communities, AMPs ensure facility longevity, reliability, and service. They will also position these communities to pursue grant funding for a long-term infrastructure investment.
“A successful grant application should clearly outline the municipality's plans, including identification of issues, anticipated cost estimates, planned schedules, and the expected impact on the community. Based on our experience, applications lacking adopted planning tools, such as AMPs, do not score well, often leading to an increase in project costs and district debts.” - Rob Wick, Project Management Specialist, Essex County Community Resources
To meet the project's demanding deadlines and assessment requirements, M.J. Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C. (MJ), the founder of MJ4D, employed our NaVvis VLX mobile mapper to capture 3D LiDAR data and 360-degree panoramic imagery for water and wastewater treatment facilities and pump stations in 16 Essex County communities. This information not only enabled MJ to extract additional mapping features, but also facilitated the seamless linking of asset records.
MJ4D, as a pivotal tool in the AMPs' development, proves its worth beyond just planning; it emerges as an invaluable asset for ongoing maintenance and engineering projects for Essex County communities.
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