Will Bianchini, a systems analyst and licensed drone operator with OCWA–Central New York’s Water Authority, recently presented to a standing room only meeting of the American Public Works Association’s Central Branch chapter about OCWA’s success in integrating its Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) program with its Geographic Information System (GIS) capabilities to modernize public utility operations. 
In particular, Will discussed how OCWA has successfully utilized its drone technology to:
- perform infrastructure inspections,
- conduct surface water quality observations, and
- plan capital projects by integrating a UAS component and combining it with their Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
In his presentation, Mr. Bianchini revealed details outlining a proven framework for other utilities to follow in setting up a similar UAS pilot program. Live media demos showed the capabilities of a fully integrated UAS/GIS program.
For additional information and photos of the presentation, go to: APWA_Will Bianchini
To hear about how OCWA started its program, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mqBbxA6qmI