Patent ID: 8543651
Filing Date: 2013-09-24
Classification: G01C,G06Q,H04L

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for providing information regarding a locate and/or marking operation, the apparatus comprising: a communication interface; a memory to store processor-executable instructions; and a processing unit communicatively coupled to the communication interface and the memory, wherein upon execution of the processor-executable instructions by the processing unit, the processing unit: electronically receives, via the communication interface, first input relating to the dig area; based on the first input, renders a digital virtual white line image including at least one dig area indicator to provide at least one indication of the dig area with respect to a geographic area; controls the communication interface to receive second input regarding a notification type and/or a notification communication method for at least one notification indicating a status and/or providing information relating to the performance of the locate and/or marking operation, the locate and/or marking operation comprising detecting and/or marking, in response to at least one locate request ticket, a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area, wherein at least a portion of the dig area is planned to be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities; generates the at least one notification based at least in part on the notification type and/or the notification communication method; and further controls the communication interface and/or the memory to electronically transmit and/or electronically store the at least one notification so as to inform at least one party associated with providing at least one locate request relating to the locate and/or marking operation of the status and/or performance of the locate and/or marking operation.