An overview of the aboveground infrastructure such as roads, railways, etc. is well established, but more work can be done to develop a detailed overview of underground infrastructure.
Today wiring maps are of varying quality and exist in various formats from digital data to old maps made by hand.
Wiring maps are the internal tool of utility companies for the operation and maintenance of their transmission network. Entrepreneurial and excavation companies also utilize wiring maps as the basis of excavation planning. Wiring maps are critical to ensure minimal excavation damage.
Excavation damages cost DKK 2.8 billion over a period of 10 years in public expenditure. When a subsoil wire or cable is dug out, citizens and businesses also experience problems in relation to supply security. It is therefore critical to have maps, which accurately detail the positioning of subsoil tubes and cables.
LER - The Danish Register of subsoil Cable Owners
The Danish Register of subsoil Cable Owners (LER) has since 2006 supported the exchange of wiring maps. Since its initiation, LER has delivered more than 8 million wiring maps. However, modern technology and IT advancements require renewed investment in a digital exchange of uniform digital wiring maps.
Excavation stakeholders will encounter fewer problems in the future when juxtaposing wiring cards as part of the preparatory excavation work. The fast exchange will support urgent excavation activities. The initiative also supports the facilitation of coordination of excavation works. Multiple societal benefits arise from this initiative in the form of increased supply security, more efficient excavation activities and more optimal traffic flows.
Coherent data on subsoil infrastructure provides companies with new business options in relation to the development of innovative solutions. Furthermore, data will make existing work-procedures relating to maintenance more efficient and effective.
With this initiative, the government will continue working on making the supply sector more efficient and ensuring cross-sectoral synergies are made to develop multiple benefits for society.