Washington-based Contract Engineering Firm Introduces Geospatial Services for the Telecommunications Industry

Snohomish, Washington - ATCO Communications Services, LLC officially launches its Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Program, providing an array of geospatial services, including:

• Custom GIS Solutions & Application Development
• Data Management & Infrastructure
• Geospatial Analysis, Engineering, & Feasibility
• Professional Cartographic Mapping
• Next Generation 911 (NG911)
• Customized GIS Training and Capacity Building

While ATCO Communications Services' legacy is outside plant engineering, the company recognizes the value of using geospatial data to improve efficiency and accuracy across internal and external processes. ATCO’s GIS Program places heavy emphasis on collaboration, positioning clients for sustainable long-term success by delivering tailored solutions to meet their specific needs. Whether it’s through custom GIS applications or training programs, ATCO’s goal is to holistically improve its clients' geospatial capabilities and data management practices.

The telecommunications engineering field has long employed geospatial services to complete projects, often in conjunction with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. Currently, more engineering firms are directly implementing GIS tools to streamline operations. ATCO implements numerous geospatial applications across other departments, including joint-use administration and right-of-way management, reflecting a broader trend of GIS adoption across the business landscape. In an increasingly tech-driven industry, companies of all kinds are inundated with large volumes of real-time data. Without proper data management techniques and tools, this large amount of information can become more of a hindrance than an advantage. Incorporating GIS solutions can turn raw data into meaningful models that yield insights to inform work processes.

ATCO demonstrates its geospatial capabilities through its partnership with the Washington-based internet service provider, Whidbey Telecom. ATCO, Whidbey Telecom, and their partners are collaborating on the Point Roberts Middle Mile Infrastructure Project, a National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)-funded initiative to connect broadband-underserved communities in Northwest Washington with fiber service. Over the course of the project’s lifespan, ATCO and its partners will lay 48 miles of underground fiber cable and 63 miles of cable on the sea floor. Ultimately, these cables will provide improved broadband infrastructure for South Whidbey Island, Point Roberts, and the settlements in between, including the Lummi Nation, Orcas Island, and other broadband-underserved areas in both Whatcom and San Juan counties. In addition to constructing these new telecommunications facilities, the project entails significant surveying, permitting, and careful analyses of ecological and archaeological factors in the area.

ATCO and Whidbey Telecom's Company Side by Side

ATCO uses Esri’s ArcGIS Experience Builder, a GIS program, to create detailed project dashboards that visualize the planned fiber route by combining design and survey data and centralizing the planned cable layout, design changes, and real-time progress, ultimately providing a detailed, real-time record of each project phase.

ATCO's Point Roberts Project Dashboard. Made using ArcGIS Experience Builder.

In addition to the project dashboard, ATCO uses IkeGPS Pro to log pole location data, attachment information, pole condition, pole dimensions, ownership, and photos in one convenient location for clients. By combining tools such as project dashboards and IkeGPS, ATCO’s GIS Program plans, tracks progress, provides real-time updates, logs facilities, and simplifies data collection and analysis.

IkeGPS Pole Data - Project Overview

IkeGPS Pole Data Example

IkeGPS Pole Data Example 2

When asked about the future of GIS and ATCO’s role in the industry, Benjamin Lutz, GIS Program Manager at ATCO, explains,

“It’s exciting to see both ATCO and the clients we serve continue to adopt the latest geospatial apps and technology to streamline operations and maximize efficiency. I’m thrilled to continue building ATCO’s GIS program and bring the next generation of GIS experts into the industry. As more industries adopt GIS, ATCO’s GIS Program will continue to evolve and grow to meet demand and exceed customer expectations.”

ATCO's GIS Program Manager, Benjamin Lutz

For more information about ATCO’s Geospatial Services, visit:
https://www.atcotelecom.com/services/geospatialservices