Patent ID: 8340359
Filing Date: 2012-12-25
Classification: G06K,G06Q,G06T

Abstract:
1. A method for generating a searchable electronic record of a locate operation performed by a locate technician, the locate operation comprising identifying, using at least one physical locate mark, a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area, wherein at least a portion of the dig area may be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities, the method comprising: A) electronically receiving an aerial image of a geographic area comprising the dig area, at least a portion of the received aerial image being displayed on a display device; B) adding to the displayed aerial image at least one digital representation of the at least one physical locate mark, applied to ground, pavement or other surface by the locate technician during the locate operation, so as to generate a marked-up digital image including the at least one digital representation of the at least one physical locate mark; and C) electronically transmitting and/or electronically storing the searchable electronic record of the locate operation, wherein the searchable electronic record comprises the marked-up digital image and a data set, and wherein the data set comprises: