METHODS, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEMS FOR QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF LOCATE AND/OR MARKING OPERATIONS BASED ON PROCESS GUIDES

1 . A system for facilitating a quality assessment of a locate and/or marking operation to detect and/or 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 is planned to be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities, the system comprising:

at least one communication interface;

at least one memory to store processor-executable instructions;

at least one input device; and

at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one communication device, the at least one memory, and the at least one input device, wherein upon execution of the processor-executable instructions, the at least one processor:

A) controls the at least one communication interface and/or the at least one memory so as to acquire process guide information from a process guide associated with the locate and/or marking operation, the process guide comprising at least one task to be performed by a locate technician in connection with the locate and/or marking operation;

B) receives performance information from the at least one input device, the performance information relating to at least one aspect of the locate and/or marking operation as performed by a locate technician; and

C) prior to completion of the locate and/or marking operation, generates at least one indication of at least one aspect of a quality assessment of the locate and/or marking operation based at least in part on the process guide information acquired from the process guide and the performance information received in B).

2 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising at least one output device to provide the at least one indication of the quality assessment to the locate technician, wherein in C), the at least one processor further:

identifies a potential quality issue regarding the locate and/or marking operation;

generates the at least one indication based on the potential quality issue; and

prior to completion of the locate and/or marking operation, controls the at least one output device to provide the at least one indication so as to notify the locate technician of the potential quality issue.

3 . The system of claim 2 , wherein the at least one output device comprises a visual indicator, and wherein the at least one processor controls the at least one output device to provide the at least one indication as a visual indication via the visual indicator.

4 . The system of claim 2 , wherein the at least one output device comprises an audio indicator, and wherein the at least one processor controls the at least one output device to provide the at least one indication as an audible indication via the audio indicator.

5 . The system of claim 2 , wherein the at least one output device comprises a tactile indicator, and wherein the at least one processor controls the at least one output device to provide the at least one indication as a tactile indication via the tactile indicator.

6 . The system of claim 2 , wherein the at least one output device comprises a display screen, and wherein the at least one processor controls the at least one output device to provide the at least one indication via a popup window on the display screen.

7 . The system of claim 1 , wherein in C), the at least one processor further:

determines an expected observation of the locate and/or marking operation based at least in part on the process guide information acquired from the process guide;

determines an actual observation of the locate and/or marking operation based at least in part on the performance information; and

assesses a quality of the locate and/or marking operation at least in part by comparing the expected observation and the actual observation.

8 . The system of claim 7 , wherein in C), the at least one processor further:

identifies a potential quality issue regarding the locate and/or marking operation; and

prior to completion of the locate and/or marking operation, modifies the process guide to include a task for investigating the potential quality issue.

9 . The system of claim 7 , wherein in C), the at least one processor further:

identifies a potential quality issue regarding the locate and/or marking operation; and

prior to completion of the locate and/or marking operation, modifies the process guide to include a task for taking one or more corrective actions in response to the potential quality issue.

10 . The system of claim 7 , wherein in C), the at least one processor further:

identifies a potential quality issue regarding the locate and/or marking operation;

generates the at least one indication based on the potential quality issue; and

prior to completion of the locate and/or marking operation, controls the at least one communication interface so as to transmit to a remote computer the at least one indication of the quality assessment based on the potential quality issue.

11 . The system of claim 10 , wherein the at least one processor further:

controls the at least one communication interface so as to receive feedback information regarding the potential quality issue from a remote personnel; and

modifies the process guide according to the feedback information.

12 . The system of claim 7 , wherein the expected observation comprises an expected location of a work site and the actual observation comprises a current location of the locate technician, and wherein comparing the expected observation and the actual observation comprises comparing the expected location of the work site and the current location of the locate technician to determine whether a distance between the expected location and the current location exceeds a threshold distance.

13 . The system of claim 12 , further comprising at least one output device to provide the at least one indication of the quality assessment to the locate technician, wherein, if it is determined that the distance between the expected location and the current location exceeds the threshold distance, the at least one processor further controls the at least one output device to provide the at least one indication so as to notify the locate technician of a potential error in work site location.

14 . The system of claim 12 , wherein if it is determined that the distance between the expected location and the current location exceeds the threshold distance, the at least one processor modifies the process guide to include a task for verifying work site location.

15 . The system of claim 12 , wherein if it is determined that the distance between the expected location and the current location exceeds the threshold distance, the at least one processor modifies the process guide to include a task for proceeding to the expected location.

16 . The system of claim 12 , further comprising a display device communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, wherein if it is determined that the distance between the expected location and the current location exceeds the threshold distance, the at least one processor further:

controls the display device so as to display to the locate technician an image corresponding to a geographical area comprising the current location;

further controls the display device so as to identify the current location on the displayed image using a first indicator; and

further controls the display devices so as to identify the expected location on the displayed image using a second indicator.

17 . The system of claim 16 , wherein the displayed image comprises a street map.

18 . The system of claim 16 , wherein:

in B), the at least one processor further:

receives as the performance information from the at least one input device an arrival indication that the locate technician has arrived at the work site, and a speed of the locate technician;

determines whether the speed of the locate technician exceeds a speed threshold;

if it is determined that the speed of the locate technician does not exceed the speed threshold, acquires location information indicative of the current location of the locate technician; and

in C), if it is determined that the speed of the locate technician exceeds the speed threshold, the processor provides the at least one indication of the quality assessment as an error message to the locate technician.

19 . The system of claim 7 , wherein the expected observation comprises an expected time associated with the locate and/or marking operation and the actual observation comprises a current time, and wherein comparing the expected observation and the actual observation comprises comparing the expected time and the current time.

20 . The system of claim 19 , wherein the expected time is a due date by which the locate and/or marking operation is to be completed, and wherein the at least one processor further:

determines whether the current time is later than the due date; and

if it is determined that the current time is later than the due date, controls the at least one communication interface so as to transmit to a remote computer the at least one indication of the quality assessment as an indication that the due date is missed.

21 . The system of claim 19 , further comprising at least one output device to provide the at least one indication of the quality assessment to the locate technician, wherein the expected time is a scheduled start time for the locate and/or marking operation, and wherein the at least one processor further:

determines whether the current time is no later than the scheduled start time; and

in C), if it is determined that the current time is later than the scheduled start time, controls the at least one output device to provide the at least indication so as to notify the locate technician of a delay.

22 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one input device includes at least one user interface to receive a manual input from the locate technician as the performance information, and wherein, in B), the at least one processor further processes at least one manual input received from the locate technician.

23 . The system of claim 22 , wherein the at least one manual input received from the locate technician comprises an indication that the locate technician is unable to complete the at least one task.

24 . The system of claim 23 , wherein the at least one manual input received from the locate technician further comprises an explanation as to why the locate technician is unable to complete the at least one task.

25 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one input device constitutes a portion of at least one piece of locating equipment used by the locate technician to perform the locate and/or marking operation, and wherein in B), the performance information includes locating equipment data received from the at least one input device.

26 . The system of claim 25 , wherein the system comprises one of a locate device, a marking device, and a combined locate and marking device.

27 . The system of claim 25 , wherein the at least one input device comprises detection electronics of the at least one piece of locating equipment, and wherein the locating equipment data comprises locate signal information provided by the detection electronics.

28 . The system of claim 25 , wherein the at least one input device comprises a marking material detection mechanism of the at least one piece of locating equipment, and wherein the locating equipment data comprises marking material information provided by the marking material detection mechanism.

29 . The system of claim 25 , wherein the at least one input device comprises a location tracking system of the at least one piece of locating equipment, and wherein the locating equipment data comprises landmark information indicating a location of a selected landmark, the landmark information provided by the location tracking system.

30 . The system of claim 25 , wherein the at least one input device comprises a timing system of the at least one piece of locating equipment, and wherein the locating equipment data comprises timing information provided by the timing system.

31 . The system of claim 25 , wherein the at least one input device comprises at least one environmental sensor of the at least one piece of locating equipment, and wherein the locating equipment data comprises environmental information provided by the at least one environmental sensor.

32 . The system of claim 25 , wherein the at least one input device comprises at least one operational sensor of the at least one piece of locating equipment, and wherein the locating equipment data comprises operational information provided by the at least one operational sensor.

33 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one processor further:

controls the at least one communication interface and/or the at least one memory so as to acquire at least one historical record relating to one or more past locate and/or marking operations; and

in C), generates the at least one indication of the quality assessment based at least in part on the at least one historical record.

34 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one processor further:

controls the at least one communication interface and/or the at least one memory so as to acquire at least one best practice guide comprising industry-accepted recommended practices and/or procedures with respect to underground facility locate and/or marking operations; and

in C), generates the at least one indication of the quality assessment based at least in part on the at least one best practice guide.

35 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one processor further:

controls the at least one communication interface and/or the at least one memory so as to acquire one or more standard operating procedures comprising recommendations and/or standards specific to a locate service provider that dispatches the locate technician to perform the locate and/or marking operation; and

in C), generates the at least one indication of the quality assessment based at least in part on the one or more standard operating procedures.

36 . The system of claim 35 , wherein the one or more standard operation procedures comprise information derived from:

state, locate and/or regional regulations relating to underground facility locate and/or marking operations;

internal policy information of the locate service provider; and/or

contract information relating to one or more contracts between the locate service provider and another entity.

37 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the process guide comprises first and second tasks, the first task to be performed prior to the second task, and wherein in C), the at least one processor further:

determines whether the locate technician has completed the first task;

detects whether the technician attempts to perform the second task without having completed the first task; and

if it is detected that the technician has attempted to perform the second task without having completed the first task, generates the at least one indication of a quality assessment of the locate and/or marking operation so as to indicate a potential quality issue.

38 . A computer-implemented method, performed at least in part by at least one processor, for facilitating a quality assessment of a locate and/or marking operation to detect and/or 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 is planned to be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities, the method comprising:

A) acquiring electronic process guide information from a process guide associated with the locate and/or marking operation, the process guide comprising at least one task to be performed by a locate technician in connection with the locate and/or marking operation;

B) receiving performance information relating to at least one aspect of the locate and/or marking operation as performed by a locate technician; and

C) prior to completion of the locate and/or marking operation, generating at least one indication of at least one aspect of a quality assessment of the locate and/or marking operation based at least in part on the process guide information acquired from the process guide and the performance information received in B).

39 . The method of claim 38 , wherein C) comprises:

C1) identifying a potential quality issue regarding the locate and/or marking operation;

C2) generating the at least one indication based on the potential quality issue so as to notify the locate technician of the potential quality issue.

40 . The method of claim 39 , wherein C2) comprises:

providing the at least one indication to the locate technician as a visual indication.

41 . The method of claim 39 , wherein C2) comprises:

providing the at least one indication to the locate technician as an audible indication.

42 . The method of claim 39 , wherein C2) comprises:

providing the at least one indication to the locate technician as a tactile indication.

43 . The method of claim 39 , wherein C2) comprises:

providing the at least one indication to the locate technician via a popup window on a display screen.

44 . The method of claim 38 , wherein C) further comprises:

determining an expected observation of the locate and/or marking operation based at least in part on the process guide information acquired from the process guide;

determining an actual observation of the locate and/or marking operation based at least in part on the performance information; and

assessing a quality of the locate and/or marking operation at least in part by comparing the expected observation and the actual observation.

45 . The method of claim 44 , wherein C) further comprises:

identifying a potential quality issue regarding the locate and/or marking operation; and

prior to completion of the locate and/or marking operation, modifying the process guide to include a task for investigating the potential quality issue.

46 . The method of claim 44 , wherein C) further comprises:

identifying a potential quality issue regarding the locate and/or marking operation; and

prior to completion of the locate and/or marking operation, modifying the process guide to include a task for taking one or more corrective actions in response to the potential quality issue.

47 . The method of claim 44 , wherein C) further comprises:

identifying a potential quality issue regarding the locate and/or marking operation;

generating the at least one indication based on the potential quality issue; and

prior to completion of the locate and/or marking operation, transmitting to a remote computer the at least one indication of the quality assessment based on the potential quality issue.

48 . The method of claim 47 , further comprising:

receiving feedback information regarding the potential quality issue from a remote personnel; and

modifying the process guide according to the feedback information.

49 . The method of claim 44 , wherein the expected observation comprises an expected location of a work site and the actual observation comprises a current location of the locate technician, and wherein comparing the expected observation and the actual observation comprises:

comparing the expected location of the work site and the current location of the locate technician to determine whether a distance between the expected location and the current location exceeds a threshold distance.

50 . The method of claim 49 , wherein, if it is determined that the distance between the expected location and the current location exceeds the threshold distance, C) comprises:

providing the at least one indication so as to notify the locate technician of a potential error in work site location.

51 . The method of claim 49 , wherein if it is determined that the distance between the expected location and the current location exceeds the threshold distance, the method further comprises:

modifying the process guide to include a task for verifying work site location.

52 . The method of claim 49 , wherein if it is determined that the distance between the expected location and the current location exceeds the threshold distance, the method further comprises:

modifying the process guide to include a task for proceeding to the expected location.

53 . The method of claim 49 , wherein if it is determined that the distance between the expected location and the current location exceeds the threshold distance, the method further comprises:

displaying to the locate technician an image corresponding to a geographical area comprising the current location;

identifying the current location on the displayed image using a first indicator; and

identifying the expected location on the displayed image using a second indicator.

54 . The method of claim 44 , wherein the expected observation comprises an expected time associated with the locate and/or marking operation and the actual observation comprises a current time, and wherein comparing the expected observation and the actual observation comprises comparing the expected time and the current time.

55 . The method of claim 54 , wherein the expected time is a due date by which the locate and/or marking operation is to be completed, and wherein the method further comprises:

determining whether the current time is later than the due date,

wherein, if it is determined that the current time is later than the due date, C) comprises transmitting to a remote computer the at least one indication of the quality assessment as an indication that the due date is missed.

56 . The method of claim 54 , wherein the expected time is a scheduled start time for the locate and/or marking operation, and wherein the method further comprises:

determining whether the current time is no later than the scheduled start time,

and wherein, if it is determined that the current time is later than the scheduled start time, C) comprises providing the at least indication so as to notify the locate technician of a delay.

57 . The method of claim 38 , wherein B) comprises:

receiving the performance information as a manual input from the locate technician.

58 . The method of claim 57 , wherein the at least one manual input received from the locate technician comprises an indication that the locate technician is unable to complete the at least one task.

59 . The method of claim 58 , wherein the at least one manual input received from the locate technician further comprises an explanation as to why the locate technician is unable to complete the at least one task.

60 . The method of claim 38 , wherein B) comprises:

receiving the performance information as locating equipment data from at least one piece of locate equipment.

61 . The method of claim 60 , wherein the locating equipment data comprises locate signal information.

62 . The method of claim 60 , wherein the locating equipment data comprises marking material information.

63 . The method of claim 60 , wherein the locating equipment data comprises landmark information indicating a location of a selected landmark.

64 . The method of claim 60 , wherein the locating equipment data comprises timing information.

65 . The method of claim 60 , wherein the locating equipment data comprises environmental information.

66 . The method of claim 60 , wherein the locating equipment data comprises operational information.

67 . The method of claim 38 , wherein C) comprises:

generating the at least one indication of the quality assessment based at least in part on at least one historical record relating to one or more past locate and/or marking operations.

68 . The method of claim 38 , wherein C) comprises:

generating the at least one indication of the quality assessment based at least in part on at least one best practice guide comprising industry-accepted recommended practices and/or procedures with respect to underground facility locate and/or marking operations.

69 . The method of claim 38 , wherein C) comprises:

generating the at least one indication of the quality assessment based at least in part on one or more standard operating procedures comprising recommendations and/or standards specific to a locate service provider that dispatches the locate technician to perform the locate and/or marking operation.

70 . The method of claim 69 , wherein the one or more standard operation procedures comprise information derived from:

state, locate and/or regional regulations relating to underground facility locate and/or marking operations;

internal policy information of the locate service provider; and/or

contract information relating to one or more contracts between the locate service provider and another entity.

71 . The method of claim 38 , wherein the process guide comprises first and second tasks, the first task to be performed prior to the second task, and wherein C) comprises:

determining whether the locate technician has completed the first task;

detecting whether the technician attempts to perform the second task without having completed the first task; and

if it is detected that the technician has attempted to perform the second task without having completed the first task, generating the at least one indication of a quality assessment of the locate and/or marking operation so as to indicate a potential quality issue.

72 . At least one computer readable storage medium encoded with processor-executable instruction that, when executed by at least one processor, perform a method for facilitating a quality assessment of a locate and/or marking operation to detect and/or 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 is planned to be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities, the method comprising:

A) acquiring electronic process guide information from a process guide associated with the locate and/or marking operation, the process guide comprising at least one task to be performed by a locate technician in connection with the locate and/or marking operation;

B) receiving performance information relating to at least one aspect of the locate and/or marking operation as performed by a locate technician; and

C) prior to completion of the locate and/or marking operation, generating at least one indication of a quality assessment of the locate and/or marking operation based at least in part on the process guide information acquired from the process guide and the performance information received in B).