Connecting critical project information
Major infrastructure projects depend on accurate, timely information to keep construction moving, maintain compliance and support informed decision-making. But when surveying, drone imagery, field observations, engineering plans and project documentation live in disconnected systems, maintaining a clear picture of current conditions can be difficult.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) New Orleans District faced this challenge while supporting major infrastructure initiatives in Louisiana, including the Comite River Diversion flood risk reduction project and a new Confined Disposal Facility along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.
Both projects required ongoing surveying, construction monitoring, progress documentation and visibility into changing site conditions.
Bringing location into the project workflow
To help address these needs, USACE partnered with ES2, an Esri Gold Partner specializing in geospatial services, surveying, engineering and environmental consulting.
Using ArcGIS, ES2 brought drone mapping, field data collection, surveying, engineering information and project reporting together in a connected, location-based environment.
For the Comite River Diversion project, ES2 provided surveying and mapping services across approximately 400 acres of active construction. The team integrated drone imagery, survey records, CAD plans, compliance documentation and field observations in ArcGIS. ArcGIS Field Maps and ArcGIS Survey123 also supported field verification, geotechnical observations and reporting activities.
Improving visibility with drone mapping
ES2 completed more than 48 recurring UAS surveys during the project, giving USACE continued visibility into changing site conditions.
Drone-based monitoring reduced the need for routine ground inspections while helping teams maintain access to current project information. Survey data, imagery, design information and compliance records were maintained within ArcGIS, creating a comprehensive digital record of project delivery and simplifying reporting.
Supporting construction with a shared geographic view
A similar location-based approach supported construction of the Confined Disposal Facility.
ES2 established project survey control, performed preconstruction and existing-condition surveys and supported construction layout activities. The team developed a drone-to-GIS workflow using ArcGIS Drone2Map and ArcGIS Online to process recurring UAS surveys and publish current information in a shared geographic environment.
Recurring terrain models provided monthly volume calculations that supported construction planning and material management. Machine-control models developed from survey and drone data also helped contractors work more precisely against design surfaces, reducing the potential for rework.
Construction progress, compliance records and weather conditions could be viewed within a single ArcGIS environment, strengthening coordination and project oversight.
Creating a single source of truth
Across both projects, the connected approach created a single source of truth for project information. Rather than relying on disconnected files and manual reconciliation, stakeholders could access current, location-based information and develop a shared understanding of project conditions.
By combining surveying expertise, drone technology and ArcGIS, ES2 helped USACE improve visibility, coordination, field operations and decision-making throughout construction.
The projects demonstrate how connecting information through location can give infrastructure teams a more complete and trusted operational view of project progress and performance.
