Grounded work

This Leeds University computing project sounds unglamorous, but makes great sense: they are developing an integrated representation of all the UK's underground pipes and services (some of which are currently mapped only on old paper plans), and linking them to GPS. When underground work is planned and carried out, existing structures can then be taken into account and digging should be more efficient and safer (apparently a hole is dug in Britain's roads every 7 seconds). The representation should be available in usable formats on PCs in planners' offices and on hand held computers for people on-site. Hope they do some serious user testing.