Patent ID: 8290204
Filing Date: 2012-10-16
Classification: G06F,G06K,G06T,G09B

Abstract:
1. A method for generating a searchable electronic record of a locate operation performed by a locate technician in a dig area, wherein at least a portion of the dig area is planned to be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities, the method comprising: A) electronically receiving source data representing at least one input image of a geographic area comprising the dig area; B) processing the source data so as to display at least a portion of the at least one input image on a display device; C) adding to the displayed at least one input image at least one digital representation of at least one physical locate mark so as to generate a marked-up image including the at least one digital representation of the at least one physical locate mark, the at least one physical locate mark applied to ground in the dig area by the locate technician during a locate operation comprising identifying, using the at least one physical locate mark, a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within the dig area; and D) electronically transmitting and/or electronically storing information relating to the marked-up image so as to generate the searchable electronic record of the locate operation.