FLORIDA TECHNICAL 

CONSULTANTS, LLC

WE SPECIALIZE IN GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) BASED CIVIL ENGINEERING AND LAND USE PLANNING SERVICES​

GIS SERVICES

FTC specializes in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software offering Civil Engineering and Land Use Planning consulting services in the following areas:

Computerized Land Use Planning using advanced GIS software

FTC's land use planning services are primarily focused on the computerized mapping, digital transformation, land planning processes, and plan and regulation development in local governments using advanced GIS software. These services include permit and site plan review, planning report writing, zoning and landscape inspections, preparation of review documents and reports, participation in staff meetings, and creating presentation graphics for public meetings. FTC also provides comprehensive planning services for digital zoning and 3D mapping, smart cities, census demographic analysis, sustainable development, and community engagement based on these GIS applications.

GIS for Utility Operations, Maintenance and Asset Management

FTC can effectively implement GIS tools and develop GIS applications to provide essential support to all types of utility projects’ field operations.  Since the field staff are so critical to operations, FTC focuses on developing the capacity and capabilities of these teams.  Some of the specific areas where FTC can develop and implement GIS applications include Water System Operations Tracking, Sanitary System Lift Station Condition Assessments, Stormwater Flood Areas Mapping, 3-D Surface Modeling, NPDES Tracking, Public Works Management, Utility Map Inventory, Treatment Plant Facilities Mapping and Public Parks Rating System Applications.

Master GIS Planning, Modeling and Engineering Studies

GIS data is now the standard platform for managing engineering data for master planning, modeling and other types of engineering studies.  FTC is very experienced at GIS based planning and modeling software for water, sewer and stormwater applications with additional types of system analysis being available using the GIS software’s built-in tools.  FTC can assemble these different GIS tools into a common platform which provides a robust program management capability.  FTC can create Dashboards which provide real time tracking  of programs and project status.  These allow Utility managers and field staff to review system analytics and intuitively gather information about the system being monitored.  This information can then be used for planning purposes as well as permitting and regulatory reporting requirements.

Post Hurricane and Disaster Recovery Damage Assessment with GIS

FTC has also worked extensively with the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Substantial Damage Estimator (SOE) tool and has integrated this tool with GIS to carry out hurricane damage assessments and plan recovery operations in the Florida Keys.  Utilizing GIS along with FEMA's SOE tool is an effective way of reporting substantial damage information.  The system links assessor's tax parcel numbers, address information, aerial four-dimensional photos (both pre- and post-disaster) and permit information. It gives the advantage of using the software in the field and communicating interactively with people in the office.

GIS applications for Capital Improvement Project Development

The end result of the data analysis carried out for Master Planning and Engineering Studies are recommendations for system improvements by way of Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs).  FTC can provide a very data driven platform utilizing GIS which can be applied to identify utility problem areas, map their locations, perform site research with field staff and develop recommendations for Capital Improvement Projects.  Once developed, FTC can then utilize GIS for tracking of these Capital Improvement Projects as well as provide overall budget management through GIS dashboards.  The benefits of a GIS based CIP platform over a paper based report is that the GIS platform can be updated on an ongoing basis as projects progress and as new challenges arise.

Engineering GIS Data Development and Updating

The FTC process for data development starts with evaluating and loading the data into the GIS system.  Data sources including existing digital data, as-built drawings, wall maps and staff knowledge of the system.  Corrections are then made based on high resolution aerials.  Where there are still questions, field teams are mobilized to collect data directly from the field.  FTC can create inspection tools and apps which field staff can then utilize on mobile devices to directly update and confirm the data in question.  Having reliable data for utility systems saves money in design, construction and maintenance.  It also streamlines the utility response times to outages and repair issues.

Engineering Design and Permitting utilizing GIS software

FTC’s staff have been using a GIS based design approach for over 20 years and can apply the GIS platform to all components of the design cycle including Site Investigation, Report Preparation, Project Planning, Design, Preparation of Plans, Permit Preparation, and Preparations of Schedules, Bid Awards and Evaluations.  Having good utility data is crucial for Engineering Design.  It allows consultants to collaborate with management and make better decisions.  The status of engineering projects can also be included in the CIP tracking program.  Information from preliminary designs, surveys, and test holes can be brought into GIS to improve the base data.  FTC uses an integrated approach for all projects which avoids duplication of effort and ensures that data changes are not lost in the plans and that the data is set up for GIS migration at the end of construction.

Construction Inspection Services with GIS support

FTC offers Construction Inspection services which utilize the GIS platform to ensure the timely completion of the project and minimize resident issues.  FTC knows that for any project to be successful the goals of the project need to be met, the construction process needs to be smooth and of the highest quality, resident issues are addressed and the contractor makes a profit.  FTC’s Construction Inspection services include understanding the project by reviewing plans and permits, inspecting affected utilities, performing site reviews and carrying out pre-construction meetings with residents.  During construction FTC will monitor field operations and track progress as well as providing periodic updates to key stakeholders and residents.  At the project’s completion FTC will close out the project quickly and effectively and will facilitate the updating of the construction data into the GIS system.  FTC has completed very large, complicated projects with great success using GIS to facilitate the construction process.