Systems and methods for generating electronic records of locate and marking operations

摘要

Systems and methods for generating electronic records of locate operations and marking operations are described. Exemplary systems and methods include marking devices that generate, store and/or transmit electronic records of marking information, locate devices that generate, store and/or transmit electronic records of locate information, and locate devices and marking devices that communicate with each other (and optionally with other devices or systems) to share/exchange locate information and/or marking information. An exemplary method for analyzing and processing locate information and marking information includes a computer-implemented method for visually rendering (e.g., in a display field of a display device) various aspects of locate and marking operations.

主权项

1. A method of communicating between a locate device used for locating an underground facility and a marking device used to dispense a marking material to mark a presence or absence of the underground facility, the method comprising:
collecting locate information using the locate device, the locate device comprising a first electrical communication interface and at least one receiver antenna configured to detect a magnetic field from an underground facility, the locate information based at least in part on operation of the at least one receiver antenna; collecting marking information using the marking device, the marking device separate and distinct from the locate device, the marking device comprising a second electrical communication interface and an actuation mechanism operable to control dispensing of a physical marking material on ground pavement or other surfaces to mark a presence or an absence of the underground facility, the marking information relating at least in part to the physical marking material or the dispensing of the physical marking material; and communicating, via the first electrical communication interface and the second electrical communication interface, at least one of the locate information and the marking information between the locate device and the marking device.