Digitalization of the water supply network in an industrial area

Subject of the contract

Digitization of the existing water supply network and refinement of the mapping of the underground water pipe layout in the industrial area with the aim of increasing efficiency, safety, and sustainability of operations.

The main motivation of the client for implementing the contract

 The site of the former Svit in the center of Zlín is literally woven with a network of water pipes, heating pipes, and cables, which have been gradually built and reconstructed since the 1930s. For efficient planning of future reconstruction and modernization, it is essential for the operator to have accurate information about the actual condition of the pipes, their real wear and tear, and the overall quantity. The best solution is to create a 3D model of the water supply network, which can also detect existing water leaks and illegal connections, leading to further savings and improved operational efficiency.

The collected data on the technical infrastructure will also comply with the requirements of the Czech Republic’s unified digital map and will be transferred to the central data repository of the Zlín Region. This will allow Cream company to fulfill its legal obligation for digital evidence of the operated pipelines. In the future, digitization will facilitate the record-keeping, monitoring, and management of the water supply network, which will lead to reduced water and energy costs and mitigate the overall environmental impact of the industrial area.

Supporting documents / Input data 

• Schematics of the utility and drinking water supply network from 2009
• Water supply network passport for the SVIT site from 2009
• GIS layers from Teplárna Zlín, s.r.o.
• Water supply layers from Vodárna Zlín a.s.
• Long-term technical employee, expert on the local water supply network

Project implementation

The project was divided into several key phases:

1. Acquisition, verification and consolidation of existing documentation
2. Detection and mapping of underground networks using a radar locator and inspection camera
3. Laser scanning of energy channels, which allowed the creation of accurate 3D models, cross-sections, and diagrams of energy channels, shafts, and related underground spaces
4. Mapping, photographic documentation, and digitization of water meters at consumption points
5. Creation of a 3D model of the water supply network within the facility in accordance with the DTM Czech Republic directive and data for Vodárny Zlín
6. Integration into the asset management system GIS Octopus for further use in maintenance planning and operational optimization.

Internal quality controls

The use of modern technologies such as laser scanning and radar detection of underground networks, including photographic documentation and video recording, has a significant impact on the quality and accuracy of the acquired 3D model of the water supply network.

Delivery and inspection on the side of our partner (client)

The client’s representative continuously consulted on the mapping of complex junctions in the water supply network. A few years ago, the utility and drinking water systems were connected on the site, and in some areas, there are duplicated pipeline routes that were gradually connected, sealed, and left in the energy channels. The client received precise information about the amount of piping that would be suitable for replacement. They also received recommendations for the future management of the water supply shafts. A valuable contribution came from a long-time employee, whose involvement in the project was crucial to the success of the digitization process.

Collaboration evaluation:

“For MDP GEO, the Svit Complex was certainly a great challenge. However, by using the most modern technologies, such as 3D laser scanning, surveying every water supply shaft and thermal channel, intensive communication with an expert on the local water supply network, and leveraging his knowledge, they managed to create a digital twin of our water supply system. Thanks to this detailed overview, we know where our assets are, in what condition they are, and can effectively plan finances for the conceptual renewal and modernization of the water supply, taking into account the future needs of the complex.”

Galerie