How OHM Advisors deliver more efficient government services
Sep 2024
How Nearmap partners with OHM Advisors to reduce fieldwork and deliver more efficient municipal services across the Great Lakes region.
Sep 2024
)
Fewer site visits, less money on the table
Project success, driven by data
Managing infrastructure, one step ahead
The challenge
Efficient city planning takes the right data
OHM is a trusted partner to city governments and municipalities, providing expert guidance on long-term technical projects.
They rely on geographic information system (GIS) information to make critical decisions – from planning and asset management to emergency response.
However, municipalities face several challenges:
- Inaccurate data: Limited aerial coverage, unreliable AI or unverified GIS data.
- High costs: Missed inspections and updates or errors due to insufficient staffing and outdated methods can lead to catastrophic failures. And result in costly emergency repairs, legal fees and contractors’ expenses.
- Inefficiencies: Limited resources to track and manage assets and time lost due to a lack of a trained workforce, compounded by retirement, end up delaying projects.
OHM employs Nearmap imagery and AI to ensure accurate GIS data and make compelling visual presentations. Giving clients much-needed clarity.
The solution
Imagery enhanced with AI analysis
With Nearmap AI aerial imagery, captured up to 3x a year and integrated with Esri ArcGIS, OHM Advisors can offer a new level of service to municipal clients.
Key benefits include:
- High-resolution imagery: Detailed and accurate visualisation of GIS data, essential for city planning and execution.
- Frequent imagery updates: Access to the most-current location data for faster decision-making, and minimising costly custom flights or site visits.
- Nearmap AI: Customisable AI data packs help cities spot potential issues and optimise project plans throughout the process.
“When starting an inventory project for a Municipal client, OHM Advisors often evaluates whether to use a Nearmap AI pack as a starting point.”Michael Cousins, Partner, OHM Advisors
Project highlights
Ann Arbor — Streetlight inventory
- Challenge: Evaluating the condition of over 2,100 streetlights.
- Solution: OHM created a precise streetlight condition rating system using Nearmap imagery and field data.
- Impact: Better city infrastructure management with accurate assessments and planning for repairs and replacement.
)
City of Novi — GIS asset data collection & mapping
- Challenge: Modernise GIS for public work utilities.
- Solution: OHM integrated Nearmap imagery into ArcGIS Online, simplifying asset management of sanitary and stormwater sewer assets.
- Impact: Delivered a highly accurate GIS utility network, improving capital planning, utility maintenance, and emergency response.
)
Orion Township — Clarkston road regional pathway
- Challenge: Constructing a regional pathway through wetlands as part of the Iron Belle Trail.
- Solution: OHM used Nearmap imagery to design a pathway that balanced environmental considerations with public access needs.
- Impact: Created a 6-mile continuous pathway with paved surfaces and boardwalks, improving public access to open spaces and connected key trails. And creating spaces for both the community and visitors to enjoy,
)
“OHM Advisors uses the imagery and AI data in Esri, AutoDesk, Microstation, Adobe, and other software solutions. Having access to imagery from just a few weeks ago, compared to county imagery that is four-five years old, is invaluable.”
Michael Cousins
Partner, OHM Advisors
Partner, OHM Advisors
The impact
Empowering communities
Nearmap solutions have significantly strengthened OHM Advisors’ ability to serve their municipal clients.
Improvements include:
- Increased efficiency: Faster progression from planning to execution.
- Cost savings: Reduced reliance on physical inspections.
- Better decision-making: More informed project outcomes with reliable data.
- Lifting communities: Supporting proactive infrastructure management with up-to-date insights.
Nearmap’s technology empowers OHM Advisors to unlock the full potential of GIS. Solidifying their role as trusted advisors in creating vibrant, sustainable communities by streamlining project efficiency, cutting costs and winning more projects.
Learn more about OHM Advisors by visiting their website.
Optimise projects with AI insights
Make better decisions with instant insights that fit your use cases, including automatic detections of 130+ property features and conditions.
)
About OHM Advisors
Since 1962, OHM Advisors has partnered with government leaders, school districts, developers, universities, and private companies to advance communities.
As the community advancement firm, its more than 700 multidisciplinary experts deliver award-winning work across the architecture, engineering, planning, urban design, landscape architecture, surveying, and construction engineering spheres.