The Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) needed an accurate map of its storm water, drinking water, natural gas and sanitary systems.

The management team at the airport wanted this map to do more than just show where these critical utility lines reside. They wanted to be able to use this map to make their maintenance program more effective.

MES suggested the creation of a Geographic Information System. This system uses satellite tracking and complex mapping techniques from flyover imagery to plot the location of the lines. However, this mapping was only the beginning.

Once the map was complete, the Service set up a database that records multiple layers of information for each point on the map. Today, a point that represents a gas line valve will include information about that last time this valve was maintained, how long it has been in existence and its location within one meter.

Maintenance technicians are able to carry handheld units that will lead them directly to maintenance issues on various piping systems that, in the past, would have been difficult to find.

When they arrive at the site they can also access a detailed history about the pipe to help them diagnose and address any issue. Employees can even access the system from the Internet.

At BWI, the slightest delay in airport operations can cause serious problems for thousands of customers across the country. The airport can't afford glitches in its critical systems and the GIS system is part of the solution to keep the planes on time.