Home | Clients | Quality Control | Bio | Papers

What is conversion?

Traditional (manually maintained) engineering records are captured into a digital format compatible for use with a Geographic Information System (GIS). Graphic line work and symbols as well as attribute (text) data shown on the source engineering documents are captured onto the digital map and/or into the database. Municipalities and utility owners usually hire a specialized vendor to perform the conversion.

Who needs conversion quality control (QC) services?

Municipalities and utility owners want to ensure that the valuable information on their source engineering documents is completely and correctly converted to the new digital format. Despite the expertise of many vendors, the client may wish to have an independent party review the quality of digital data when it is delivered by the vendor. Municipalities and utility owners want to know whether the data conforms to the level of quality specified in the conversion project contract agreement.

Conversion vendors want to distinguish themselves from their competition by teaming up their in-house QC staff with a quality control expert to meet the expectations of discriminating clients.

An independent quality control expert can help facilitate the data acceptance process, while ensuring the municipality or utility owner is receiving the quality of data for which it is paying.

The need for high quality data

Engineers demand reliable data. They know that spatial and content error on maps can have serious consequences in the field. They care about customer and operations safety. Digital data that does not meet the expectations of the engineers in the municipality or utility organization can impede cultural acceptance of the new data. Despite the many advantages of using digital data, engineering and operations staff will be reluctant to accept it if the traditional records are viewed as substantially more reliable.

These services can help you achieve a successful conversion project:

• Design of customized QC checking procedures, including manual, automated, and computer-assisted methods, based on client's budget constraints and priorities.
• Identification of probable error sources in original documents and conversion methods.
• Computer application development for automated and computer assisted QC checks.
• Training of client staff in QC methods.
• Providing liaison assistance between utility owner and conversion vendor.
• QC evaluation of digital data deliveries.
• Timely feedback to conversion vendor to facilitate data acceptance process.